July 3rd, 2021 Sanjay Coelho…

July 3rd, 2021
Sanjay Coelho
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks – Environmental Policy Branch
40 St. Clair Avenue West, Floor 10
Toronto, Ontario M4V 1M2
Re: Community comment concerning aggregate issues within the Proposed Land Use Compatibility Guidelines, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Environmental Registry of Ontario Number 019-2785
Dear Mr. Coelho,
I am a supporter of Ramara Legacy Alliance (RLA), a local group of concerned residents, working on behalf of, and in cooperation with the residents of Ramara Township, Ontario. This community cares about the health and safety of local residents, sustaining the environment, and protecting wildlife. Many families have roots here dating back more than 100 years, and our community continues to grow and thrive in harmony with the local environment.
For the last three years, RLA and the Township of Ramara have been battling the expansion of the Fleming Quarry, which is located approximately 80 metres from the nearest residence and 200 meters from the shores of Lake Couchiching, a designated waterfront. Fowler Construction Inc. (Fowler) purchased the property to the north of their current quarry operation, and in 2018 applied to re-zone this land from Rural to Mineral Aggregate Extraction in order to create a second quarry. At the same time, Fowler has applied to the MNRF for amendments to its existing quarry, to be able to blast a further 15 metres deeper and 22 metres wider, exposing the community to even greater health and safety risks. If approved, the Fleming Quarry’s lifetime will be extended by an additional 75 years.
I am strongly opposed to the proposed changes concerning aggregate issues within the Land Use Compatibility Guidelines. Drawing from a submission made on June 21st, 2021 to Ramara Council by noted planner Mark Dorfman (a full copy of Mr. Dorfman’s submission to Ramara Council has been submitted to your office), the province’s objectives in adopting these changes are in clear conflict with the need to protect the health, safety, and well-being of local residents from the risks posed by aggregate operations. Here is a direct quote from Mr. Dorfman’s submission:
In Ramara's experience, this direction is not acceptable and this municipality has already made the planning decision when identifying Mineral Aggregate Resource Areas, that aggregate operations are not appropriate within 1,000 metres of existing and planned residential areas. The Township of Ramara strongly disagrees with the provincial direction that existing and expanding aggregate operations are not required to consider land use compatibility and may locate within 1,000 metres of existing and planned residential areas that are sensitive land uses.
I am not opposed to aggregate pits and quarries. However, we owe it to future generations to take the time and care now to envision and effectively manage an aggregate resource sector that continues to supply the materials required by the Province of Ontario without compromising the health of local communities and the quality of the environment.
I wholeheartedly agree with the Township of Ramara’s submission and support their recommendations, including their final point:
The Township of Ramara recommends the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) should modify the proposed Guideline to include land use compatibility provisions to adequately protect the environment beyond quarry sites from the possible adverse impacts of fly rock during blasting operations.
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on this file and look forward to further consultations.
Thank you for your consideration.