French River Contracting Limited - 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 March 27, 2024 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

French River Contracting Limited has applied for a Class A licence (Category 3 – Pit Above Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit of 20.75 hectares in size with an extraction area of 18.3 hectares. This application is for the establishment of a new pit.  The annual tonnage condition proposed is 400,000 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.  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 and 2
• Cultural Heritage Report (Archeological Assessment Stage 1)

The Site Plan addresses existing features of the pit 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).

Comments received through the Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) in accordance with section 4.0 – Notification and Consultation Standards of the Provincial Standards 1.0 under the ARA.  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 ARA, 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 Sudbury Star and the local French paper, le Voyageur on March 31, 2021.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, French River Contracting’s consultant is available weekdays during business hours to discuss details and answer questions related to the application. Please contact David Villard by phone at 705-840-0733 or by email at pebblebeachaggregate@sympatico.ca.

A virtual Public Information Session was held on April 22, 2021 from 2-4pm via teleconference.

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 Markstay-Warren, Sudbury East Planning Board, and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, for comment.