Number 019-0556, Proposed…

Number 019-0556, Proposed Amendments to the Aggregate Resources Act

I have spent a great deal of time enjoying the natural beauty and fantastic outdoor experiences that cottaging in Algonquin Highlands affords to many people. I am deeply concerned that many of the proposed changes to the Aggregate Resources Act will vastly diminish, if not permanently destroy, that experience for my children and future generations. The Provincial government appears to be acting in the interest of businesses by creating rules that contradict the carefully considered Municipal plans that are already in place to protect the multiple users of this area including property owners and businesses. In addition they are running roughshod over the protection of the environment in these beautiful areas.

I am particularly concerned about the following 3 statements:

“clarify the application of municipal zoning on Crown land does not apply to aggregate extraction”
“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”

These proposed changes have the appearance of an attempt by the Province to curry favour with businesses by eliminating the more stringent requirements of Municipalities to protect all the interests involved. I am concerned about how these changes will impact in the specific case of Bacher Application (# 116-0419) for extraction on Crown land within 400 meters of Harvey Lake in Algonquin Highlands. The Municipality has a requirement to locate quarries 1000 m from a waterfront, there are a number of examples where this requirement is 2000 m. The access to this location is a small county road lined with cottagers seeking to enjoy the splendour of the area, not to be inundated with noise, dust and runoff into their pristine Ontario Lakes, not to mention the hazard created by gravel trucks careening down the road attempting to meet their load quotas.

I sincerely ask you re-consider these contradictory exemptions to the existing Municipal plans.