J.G. Stewart Construction 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 May 31, 2023 to advise the public that this application under the Aggregate Resources Act has been referred by the Ministry Natural Resources and Forestry to the Ontario Land Tribunal.  Please refer to https://olt.gov.on.ca/tribunals/lpat/e-status/ for information on scheduled hearings of the Ontario Land Tribunal.

This notice was updated on February 13, 2023, 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.

Notice information

J.G. Stewart Construction Ltd. has applied for a Class A licence (Category 2 - Quarry Below Water) to excavate aggregate from a quarry of 66 hectares in size with an extraction area of 56 hectares. This application is for the conversion of approximately three-quarters of an existing licenced gravel pit (below water) to a quarry licence to allow for the extraction of granite bedrock. An unlimited annual tonnage condition is applied for.

Other information

J.G. Stewart currently operates the subject site under the authority of licence No. 624790 under the Aggregate Resources Act. In total 79 hectares are currently licenced as a pit. If this proposal is approved, approximately three-quarters (66 hectares) of the currently licenced site would become licenced as a quarry. The remaining area will continue to be licensed as a pit.

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 information was submitted in support of the application:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment Level 1 and 2
• Cultural Heritage Resource Stage 1 and 2
• Hydrogeological Level 1 and 2
• Noise Assessment report (Noise Impact Analysis)
• Blast Design report (Blast Impact Analysis)

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 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).

A Hydrogeological Level 1 report is a preliminary evaluation to determine the final extraction depth relative to the established groundwater table(s) and the potential for adverse effects to groundwater and surface water resources and their uses. If the Level 1 report identifies a potential adverse effect resulting from the operation, then an impact assessment (Level 2 report) is required to determine the significance of the effect and the feasibility of mitigation.

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if extraction and/or processing facilities are within 150 meters (for pit applications) or 500 meters (for quarry applications) of a sensitive receptor defined by the Provincial Standards. The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

A Blast Design report is prepared if a sensitive receptor, defined by the Provincial Standards, is based within 500 metres of the limit of extraction for a quarry application. The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

Comments received through the Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection under the Aggregate Resources Act 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.

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 proposed site; and a Notice of Application appeared in the local paper, the Haliburton Highlander on January 7, 2021.

All documents related to this application are available digitally upon request and can be obtained by contacting Bill Kester (phone: 519-500-8146 / email: bill@summitagg.com).

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, an in-person Public Information Session will not be held. The applicant is however available from January 26th to February 22nd, excluding weekends, to discuss details and answer questions related to the application. Please contact Bill Kester (phone: 519-500-8146 / email: bill@summitagg.com) to arrange a time for a phone call or virtual one-on-one meeting.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry. Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Municipality of Dysart et al, Haliburton County, and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for comment.