Wenco Properties 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 September 28, 2021 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 Details

Wenco Properties Ltd have applied for a Class A (Category 3 & 4 – Pit and Quarry Above Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit and quarry of 60 hectares in size. This application is to upgrade the current license from a Class B to a Class A. The annual tonnage condition applied for is 999,999 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. 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 plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment Level 1
• Cultural Heritage Stage 1

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
• 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.

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).

Comments received through the Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection in accordance with section 4.0 – Notification and Consultation Standards of the Provincial Standards 1.0 under the Aggregate Resources Act. To be considered as a formal objector, individuals need to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry person specified on this notice to determine how to submit an objection.

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 Highway 527 and Compressor Station Road; and a Notice of Application appeared in the local paper, the Chronical Journal on July 27, 2019. A public information session will be held on August 19, 2019 between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the MacGregor Recreation Centre.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Thunder Bay office. Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Municipality of Shuniah, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Energy Northern Development and Mines, Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks, Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, and utility companies within 120 meters of the site, for comment.