RE: EBR Registry Number: 012…

RE: EBR Registry Number: 012-9905

Please be advised of our strong objection to the proposed Freymond Lumber Ltd. application for a new quarry as per the EBR Registry Number 012-9905 noted above. As property owners on Jeffrey Lake Road, we are in disbelief that a proposal of this nature could even be considered as having merit. We have been in the area since the early 1970’s and over this time, we have come to appreciate all the great things this area has to offer to permanent residents and cottagers alike, including the crystal clear and serene waters of Jeffrey Lake and numerous smaller adjacent lakes. Being an avid fisherman and hunter, and participating in many other forms of outdoor recreation, has provided an even greater appreciation for the natural resources in this vicinity. Jeffrey Lake contains a naturally reproducing Lake Trout population which has been managed by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for 20 years whereby the MNR implemented special regulations to protect the natural reproducing Lake Trout. Since the new regulations were implemented to protect the Lake Trout population, the fishery has seen a dramatic improvement. The establishment of a quarry in such close proximity to Jeffrey Lake could have a negative impact of the Lake Trout’s ability to reproduce which may ultimately lead to the demise of the fishery. Previously there were attempts to establish new lots on Jeffrey Lake which was subject to an Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing where the naturally producing lake trout population, as established by the MNR & MOE (Ministry of the Environment), factored heavily into the OMB’s decision to restrict the quantity of newly severed cottage lots to a few. If the OMB, the MNR and MOE were concerned about a few cottages, we cannot fathom how the establishment of a quarry would not be of a much greater concern.

Our property is comprised of approximately 50 acres of mixed hardwood trees, a couple natural wetland
areas, and abuts two other lakes that support trout. The land supports numerous wildlife species including
deer, moose, bear, fisher, and wild turkey, all of which have been seen on our property. There are also
many different species of birds, frogs, snakes, turtles, salamanders, etc. The thousands of hours spent in the
bush have provided an appreciation of how easily wildlife can be affected by the intrusion of development.
A portion of our land is also under a Forest Management Plan which stresses the importance of
understanding the challenges (including human activities) that can potentially affect our woodlands and
natural environment. It is imperative that everyone do their part to help maintain and promote these
valuable natural resources for years to come.

The proposed quarry will result in massive amounts of noise and air pollution from the operation of heavy
equipment and blasting. The effects of this will include blasting residue being distributed, dust being
emitted into the atmosphere, and exhaust from the huge quantity of gas/diesel powered equipment and
vehicles. We are deeply concerned about the potential health impact, not only to those whose property
would be within the area of the proposed quarry, but also to the residents and visitors in the Town of
Bancroft and nearby areas.

A quarry approved in the proposed location will completely change the dynamics of this beautiful area and
forever destroy what has made people come to Bancroft to escape the adverse effects of industry and
development in larger municipalities in Ontario. Not only will this affect people who reside in the
immediate area but it will have an adverse impact to Bancroft and the vibrant tourist industry. The Town of
Bancroft’s web site notes that it welcomes 150,000 visitors annually and that it is a favourite four-season
destination. How could this quarry not adversely affect the tranquility and appeal currently offered by the
Town of Bancroft?

This quarry will also result in decreased property values and tax revenue and will ultimately push people
who have spent their lifetimes building their dreams to start over in another location. It is reasonable to
expect that most purchasers would not find it appealing to purchase property within close proximity to a
quarry and that many purchasers would look elsewhere for property or would demand a lower price based
on the location of the quarry. We wonder who will compensate property owners for the reduction in
property value and who will provide liability insurance for any unforeseen circumstances should the quarry
obtain approval.

We would also like to confirm if the Province of Ontario will be conducting their own studies including
Environmental Assessments, Traffic Studies, Environmental Noise and Vibration studies, and Social Impact
Assessments or will they be relying solely on companies being paid by Freymond Lumber Ltd?

To reiterate, we strongly object to this application. The MNR and MOE must not approve the application
and Freymond Lumber Ltd. should seek to find an alternate location to operate a quarry.

Please accept this comment as our formal objection to the proposed quarry and note this as our request to be informed of any updates to this proposal.