In order to support the…

In order to support the Province’s objective to increase housing supply and infrastructure, aggregate resources and, in particular, high quality bedrock resources are needed. The Province is the main consumer of these resources (road and transit infrastructure) and maintaining a supply of resources needed to support growth ensures a balanced economy.

When this reworded Policy 4.2.2.4 is coupled with Policy 4.2.8.2, an already existing problem is exacerbated.

Local NHS mapping will now apply this prohibition in 4.2.8.2 to a much larger area.The implications on providing a future supply of aggregate would be even worse.

If high quality resource area sites are identified as being within the NHS, Growth Plan Policy 4.2.8.2 (and other similar policy restrictions and prohibitions) will have significant impacts on the future supply of quality aggregate across the Province. Beyond the enormous investment involved, it takes Walker and other aggregate companies like ours decades to assemble land for new operations and expansions where quality resources are present.

We ask that a reasonable and balanced approach be implemented that relies on the regulatory process already in place under the PPS and the ESA to protect endangered and threatened species.

We urge the Province to consider OSSGA’s submission and recommendations for policy changes to the Growth Plan, including proposed Amendment 1 (attached to this document).

The proposed changes to Policy 4.2.8.2 still require compliance with the principles of providing for an overall benefit of endangered and threatened species and solutions that result in a net ecological gain.

See attached PDF for the complete comment letter.