Opposition to the Quarry…

Opposition to the Quarry Application in Bancroft, On.
To: ERO
From: Lake Resident
Sept 15th, 2019
First, we would like to thank the Bancroft Mayor for their vote opposing the quarry at the Hastings County Meetings. The information they provided eloquently explained the reasons for opposing the quarry.
The Mayor provided information outlining how a quarry would have a negative impact on tourism, traffic and tourism. This was further supported by the Economic Impact Study (conducted by No Place for a Quarry) and presented by a Barrister at the last council meeting.
An Engineering firm for the Applicant were responsible for the blast impact analysis, admitted that dewatering of the wells could happen. This would have a serious impact on the health and enjoyment of residents. In addition, the contaminated water supposedly treated from the quarry would be disposed of in the York River. This will cause unrepairable damage to the lakes and ecosystem.
The long-term effect will result in lower property value and that will adversely affect the Township finances.
A further environmental concern has to do with the additional asphalt storage operation now added to the new plan. These activities will result in toxic run-off thereby destroying the environment. There will be an additional increase in trucks, not mentioned in the plans.
The Traffic consultant advised that there will be a maximum of 27 trucks per hour (two-way trips) at the quarry. In addition, these trucks will be travelling through the downtown area of Bancroft as well as travelling north on Highway 28. The damage here is two-fold – first, school buses, residents, friends and families will have to deal with the truck traffic when on route to their cottages and/or homes on Highway 62 and Bay Lake Road. It is already a nightmare trying to turn east from Bay Lake Road onto Hwy 62 and turning onto/or from Hwy 62 at Hwy 28. Secondly, tourism will be affected as there will be constant truck traffic travelling through the quaint downtown area, not to mention damage the roadways. Bancroft and Faraday relies on tourism and this will have a detrimental effect.
The Truck traffic will also have a negative effect on the road infrastructure. Future repairs as a result of damages from increased truck traffic will unfairly be the responsibility of the taxpayers in the area as part of the public road upkeep.
Associates for the Application conducted the Acoustic Assessment could only identify the noise effects in a prescribed area but admitted that there could be effects of noise in areas outside their identified boundary. The assessment is too small in scope as it neglects the effects on residents living in the area beyond the identified boundaries and across lakes.
With regards to employment – it is reported that up to an additional 3-5 jobs will be created by the implementation of this quarry. At the Information Session, the MHBC Planners reported the number for employment at 400, according to their poster. This was very misleading information as it was admitted that this number included the truck industry responsible for moving the rock. It is unlikely that this number represents new jobs as there are several independent truckers that will likely be servicing this quarry in addition to other operations. As such the applicant is not representing true facts in its supporting materials.
At further risk with regards to employment is the renowned Spa which employs 40 plus people. It is likely that this quarry will have an adverse affect on this business and its employees. The fact is, many people go to this spa for their excellent services, peace and tranquility. This Spa is recognized as one of the 10 top holistic spas in the world.
Based on the continual ongoing revisions to the plans, we have concerns as to what other operations may be introduced in the future without notice to the residents of this area (i.e. Asphalt plant).
The Applicants representative has not provided research supporting the Economic, traffic impact and the presentation there was no made mention that associated construction company has sold out 50% to a paving company. Does that not surprise you they made no mention of that and the impact it could have on the quarry? The Applicant has not conducted any studies on traffic and economic impact. Does it not make you wonder why, especially after hearing the professional studies on economic and traffic conducted by No Place for a Quarry?
On the Ministry of Natural Resources website there are multiple quarries already established in the area. Please show that you care for and respect the concerns of the resident, cottagers and the Spa.
Please consider the above-mentioned information and support those who are opposed to the quarry. Please listen to the people in these communities (Bay Lake, Spar Lake, Jeffery Lake). The facts presented for the opposition of the quarry are as the result of proper professional studies conducted, Applicant has neglected to perform studies pertaining to Traffic and Economic impacts and have neglected to report on vital information.

Respectfully Submitted