May 13,2020 MNRF-Natural…

May 13,2020

MNRF-Natural Resources Conservation Policy Branch-
Resource Development Section
300 Water Street
2nd Floor, South Tower
Peterborough, ON K9J 3C7 Canada

Re: Proposal to amend O.Reg.22/97 and the Aggregate Resources of Ontario Provincial Standards under the Aggregate Resources Act ERO#13-1303 (Referred to throughout as “the Proposal”). Support submissions by Gravel Watch Ontario and Burlington Green Environmental Association.

Dear Sir/Madam,
Ramara Legacy Alliance (RLA) is a local group of concerned residents located in Ramara Township, Ontario, working on behalf of and in cooperation with our fellow property owners. We support ERO #13-1303 submissions made by Gravel Watch Ontario and Burlington Green Environmental Association.

However, we have additional concerns how the proposed changes to Aggregate Resources Act will affect us given our close proximity to an active blasting quarry operation. The Fleming Quarry, owned by Fowler Construction Co. Ltd., is within a stone's throw from our community. The closest homes are approximately 80 metres away from the quarry. Many of the properties are located on the shores of Lake Couchiching, a designated waterfront, which is only approximately 200 meters from the quarry.
Recent developments regarding the COVID-19 pandemic has created a ‘new normal’ in our community. Due to limited emergency services in Ramara, our Council has taken precautionary measures to protect the community from potential emergencies by restricting public boat launches and reducing access to public parks. Despite these precautions, in late March Fowler Construction advised property owners within approximately 120 meters of the Fleming quarry, Fowler will be conducting a blast ‘sometime over the next the three days’.

On Thursday, April 2, 2020, at approximately 1:50 PM, Fowler Construction conducted the blast at the Fleming Quarry located at Rama and Switch Roads in Ramara Township. Prior to the blast and in anticipation of potential danger, Fowler employees closed off the roads within 500 meters of the quarry. Many residents observing social distancing, were in their homes and felt the blast thus causing additional stress and in some cases property damage. What if there had been a catastrophic event as a result of the blast? How would our limited emergency services be able to assist our community? We echo the sentiments of Environmental Defence, “ the COVID-19 crisis has reminded us that along with caring for each other, caring for nature is of the utmost importance. Habitat destruction and biodiversity loss make us more vulnerable to pandemics, not to mention how a connection to nature helps people in times of stress.” We suspect Fowler hasn’t read this quote.

Fowler has purchased the property to the north of the existing quarry, and has applied to not only rezone this land from Rural to Mineral Aggregate Extraction, but has also applied for amendments to its existing quarry, to be able to blast a further 15 metres deeper, and to come 22 metres closer to Rama Road, and dangerously closer to our community. If approved, Fowler's plans would extend the joint quarries’ lifetime by about 76 years.

We are also concerned about our property values. The proximity of the quarry to our residential properties is already considered a negative factor by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). To allow the existing quarry to come closer and the proposed new quarry to be approved, our property values will decline even more. There are many seniors on fixed incomes living in this community and for many of us, our homes are our most valuable asset. A further reduction in assessed values will negatively affect the amount of property tax revenue received by the local municipality and the province.

We are not against pits and quarries, however, we owe it to future generations to take the time and care now to envision and effectively manage a resource sector that can efficiently supply the materials we need without compromising the health of our community and the quality of the environment upon which we and our fellow species depend for our long-term survival.

Ramara Legacy Alliance agrees with Burlington Green Environmental Association’s comment: It is time to acknowledge the need for and a commitment to a sustainable future for all, and a shift from the “business as usual” model that is unsustainable to a model that prioritized action on climate and species preservation, thereby safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our habitats and biosphere, now and for future generations.