Cambridge Aggregates Inc. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Cambridge Aggregates Inc. has applied for a Class A licence, pit above water, to excavate aggregate from a pit of 44.3 hectares in size with an extraction area of 35.2 hectares.

This application is for the establishment of a new pit. The annual tonnage condition applied for is 1,000,000 tonnes.

Other information

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. Ontario Regulation 244/97 and the Aggregate Resources of Ontario Standards set 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.  

For this proposal, the following information has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF):

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment Report
• Cultural Heritage Report
• Maximum Predicted Water Table Report
• Water Report
• Noise Assessment Report
• Agricultural Impact Assessment Report

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 identifies the presence of significant natural heritage features/areas that exist on the site or within 120 meters of the site. Where any of the features or areas have been identified, the report must identify and evaluate any negative impacts on the features or areas and ecological functions, and identify any proposed preventative, mitigative or remedial measures. The report must also identify if the application site or any of the features are located within a natural heritage system that has been identified by a municipality in ecoregions 6E and 7E or by the province as part of a provincial plan.

The Cultural Heritage Report must be consistent with provincial requirements under the Ontario Heritage Act and the Provincial Policy Statement. Screening checklists evaluating the potential for archaeological resources, built heritage and cultural heritage landscapes, with supporting documentation, is required. Where screening indicates that assessments are requirement to be completed, the assessment reports and letters from the Ministry of Tourism, Cultural and Sport must be obtained. 

A report must be prepared that details how the maximum predicted water table is identified in metres above sea level, relative to the proposed depth of excavation at the site.  Applications proposing to excavate below the maximum predicted water table must complete a Water Report. Level 1 determines the potential for impacts to ground water and surface water resources and their uses. If the Level 1 identifies a potential for impacts resulting from the operation, then an impact assessment (Level 2) is required to determine the significance of the effect and potential for mitigation.

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if proposed excavation and/or processing facilities are within 150 meters (for pit applications) or 500 meters (for quarry applications) of a sensitive receptor.  The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines for Stationery and Transportation Sources can be satisfied.

An Agricultural Impact Assessment Report is completed in accordance with provincial guidance where a provincial plan requires such an assessment in prime agricultural areas.

The Ministry reviews all comments received through the Environmental Registry and the notification and consultation process under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) and considers them before making a decision.  Comments received through the Environmental Registry are considered by the Ministry however, the process under the ARA is proponent driven. This means that comments for consideration by the applicant under the ARA process must be submitted to the applicant and the Ministry during the 60-day consultation period initiated by the applicant.

Details of the application process can be found in Ontario Regulation 244/97 under the ARA and on the Ministry website at aggregate resources\ontario.ca.  Many regulatory changes for new applications took effect on April 1, 2021. This means that applications submitted after March 31, 2021 must meet the new requirements in Ontario Regulation 244/97 and Aggregate Resources of Ontario Standards.

Public consultation opportunities

Written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 meters of the proposed licensed boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the proposed site; and a Public Notice of Application appeared in the local paper, the Cambridge Times on May 11, 2023.

The information submitted in support of this application can be viewed at Township of North Dumfries website or by contacting edworthywestpit@mhbcplan.com.  A virtual information session to present the details of the proposed new licence is scheduled for May 24, 2023 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  To participate in this session, please contact edworthywestpit@mhbcplan.com for an invitation.  

The application for this licence is being circulated within the MNRF. Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Township of North Dumfries, Region of Waterloo, Grand River Conservation Authority, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (Species At Risk Section), Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, for comment.