Ontario Supporting Growing Communities

BARRIE— The Ontario government is supporting growth of the province’s communities by proposing to improve the way aggregate resources are managed, ensuring a fair and balanced approach.

Based on feedback from an Aggregate Summit held in March 2019, as well as survey and email submissions, the province is releasing a proposal that aims to reduce administrative duplication and delays, and promote economic growth within the aggregate industry.

“The Greater Golden Horseshoe Region is projected to grow by approximately 4 million people by 2041. To support that growth, we will need aggregates to build our homes, schools, roads and transit systems,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “That’s why we have developed a proposal that will create opportunities and support growth, while maintaining a steadfast commitment to protecting the environment and addressing impacts to our communities.”

The aggregate proposal is now available on the Environmental Registry of Ontario for public feedback. Key proposed changes include improving access to aggregates within road allowances; clarifying jurisdiction on Crown land and depth of extraction; and clarifying how haul routes are considered under aggregates legislation.

Ontario is also proposing to strengthen protection of water resources through a more robust application process for requests to extract aggregates below the water table, and will continue to review the required technical studies to ensure groundwater resources are protected.

“Our Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan commits to keeping our water clean and healthy now, and for future generations,” said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “These improvements will ensure continued strong protection of source water and municipal drinking water while supporting a thriving aggregate sector.”

Aggregate resources play a vital role in Ontario’s communities and economy. In 2017, Ontario’s aggregate industry generated over $1.6 billion in production revenue and supported more than 28,000 jobs in aggregate-related sectors.