Jackson Harvest Farms Ltd. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Proposal updates

This notice was updated on August 9, 2024, to advise the public that there has been no change to the status of the proposal, and it is still being considered. No additional opportunity for comment is being provided for at this time. 

This notice was updated on August 30, 2022 to advise the public that this application under the Aggregate Resources Act has been referred by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry to the Ontario Land Tribunal.  Please refer to https://olt.gov.on.ca/tribunals/lpat/e-status/ for information on scheduled hearings of the Ontario Land Tribunal.

This notice was updated on March 8, 2022 to advise the public that there has been no change to the status of the proposal, and it is still being considered. No additional opportunity for comment is being provided for at this time.

Proposal information

Jackson Harvest Farms Ltd. has applied for a Class A licence to extract aggregate from above the water table in a pit that is 57.27 hectares in size with an extraction area of 52.27 hectares. This application is for the establishment of a new pit known as the Hallman Pit.  The annual tonnage applied for is 750,000 tonnes.

The extraction of aggregate from a pit or quarry on private land designated by regulation, in the Province of Ontario, requires the issuance of a licence.  The Aggregate Resources of Ontario Provincial Standards Version 1 (Provincial Standards) sets out the application process and requirements.  

For each new licence, the applicant must provide information (site plan, summary statement, technical reports) with respect to the existing features, operation and rehabilitation of the site to demonstrate that the proposed operation will minimize adverse impact on the environment. This information is prepared in accordance with the category being applied for under the Provincial Standards.

For this proposal, the following are available for viewing at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office listed below:

• site plans
• summary statement (Planning Summary Report)
• level 1 and 2 Natural Environment Technical Report (Natural Environment Level 1 and 2 Report/EIS)
• cultural heritage Impact Assessment (Archaeological Assessment Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4)
• level 1 and Level 2 Hydrogeological Investigation (Hydrogeological Assessment Level 1 and 2)
• noise assessment (Acoustical Impact Study)

The Site Plan addresses existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120 meters); the proposed operation (shape, dimensions, area and depth to be excavated, method of extraction); and progressive and final rehabilitation.

The Summary Statement includes information on one or more of the following considerations:  land use planning, agricultural classification, quality and quantity of aggregate, haul routes, truck traffic and entrance permits, progressive and final rehabilitation, surface water, and elevation of the established groundwater table.

The Natural Environment report determines the presence of significant natural heritage features/areas and fish habitat and ensures that any necessary preventative, mitigative or remedial measures are undertaken for their protection. A Level 1 report identifies if the features are on-site or within 120 meters of the site.  If features are identified, then an impact assessment (Natural Environment Level 2 report) is prepared to determine any negative impacts on the natural features or ecological functions, and any proposed preventative, mitigative or remedial measures.

A Hydrogeological Level 1 report is a preliminary evaluation to determine the final extraction depth relative to the established groundwater table(s) and the potential for adverse effects to groundwater and surface water resources and their uses.  If the Level 1 report identifies a potential adverse effect resulting from the operation, then an impact assessment (Level 2 report) is required to determine the significance of the effect and the feasibility of mitigation.

The purpose of a Cultural Heritage Resources report is to ensure that significant archaeological resources are identified, assessed for their significance, and protected (preserved or collected).

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if extraction and/or processing facilities are within 150 meters (for pit applications) or 500 meters (for quarry applications) of a sensitive receptor defined by the Provincial Standards.  The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

Other public consultation opportunities

As specified in the Aggregate Resources Act, written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 meters of the proposed licenced boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the proposed site; and a Notice of Application appeared in the local paper, the New Hamburg Independent on November 6, 2019.  A public information session was held on November 26, 2019 between 6:45 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the Wilmot Recreation Complex, 1291 Nafziger Road, Baden, Ontario.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Guelph District office.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Township of Wilmot and the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, and the Grand River Conservation Authority for comment.