COMMENT RE: ERO, Number 019…

COMMENT RE: ERO, Number 019-0556, Proposed Amendments to the Aggregate Resources Act

As a lifelong cottager in the Algonquin Highlands, I have some serious concerns about the proposed amendments. I’ll keep it straightforward: there is a well-designed official municipal plan in our region. These proposed amendments will override that plan. As a property owner and tax paying citizen, I don’t think it’s right for the provincial government to override those carefully considered plans. There should be collaboration with municipalities to ensure that the interest of both business and local residents are met.

In particular, the statement “clarify the application of municipal zoning on Crown land does not apply to aggregate extraction” is an issue. Why doesn’t it apply? Just because it’s Crown land that doesn’t mean it doesn’t impact municipalities. The example of this of most relevant to me is the Bacher Application (# 116-0419) for extraction on Crown land within 400 meters of Harvey Lake. That will substantially impact property owners nearby. Many don’t want the quarry there. They have good support for that opinion in The Official Plan of Algonquin Highlands, Haliburton which requires no aggregate extraction within 1,000 meters of a lake. In fact, many Official Town Plans require a 2,000-meter setback from all waterfront designations. I don’t think that creating exemptions like this and ignoring the wishes of local municipalities is reflective of good government that listens to the voice of its constituents.

For similar reasons, I also ask you to consider the following two proposed amendments as seriously flawed:
• “municipal zoning bylaws relating to the depth of aggregate extraction would not apply”
• “…Local Planning Appeal Tribunal and the Minister……cannot impose conditions requiring agreements between municipalities and aggregate producers regarding aggregate haulage”