The requirements under the…

The requirements under the ARA for a licence are extensive. Requiring an EA is superfluous and will only result in a delay in an already lengthy and expensive process. Any objections can be dealt with in the ARA and planning processes, including hearings before the LPAT. An EA is not required.

If an EA is ordered because people object to a pit or quarry, then an EA will be required for every pit and quarry because there are always people objecting. The number of objectors can range from the 10's, to the 100's and even the1,000's. Requiring an EA for this project will set a bad precedent. It will encourage campaigns against pits and quarries to simply get enough people to object so that an EA will be demanded and expected, increasing the costs to a proponent and adding additional delay.

Aggregates are essential for the province. They are required for infrastructure and every building in Ontario, including hospitals and schools. Requiring an EA will discourage investment in aggregate leading to a shortage of supply or transporting aggregate long distances, increasing cost, increasing green house gas emissions and increasing truck traffic on the roads.

Requiring an EA for this quarry is reminiscent of the Liberal government's conduct 10 years ago in requiring an EA for a quarry, in a successful effort to stop the quarry, solely for political purposes. It is also reminiscent of the same government issuing an MZO to stop a quarry, again solely for political purposes and to save a seat.

Even if an EA is completed and approved, it is a certainty the objectors will not be satisfied and they will still object to the quarry resulting in a hearing before the LPAT. An EA will serve no purpose and must not be required.