Strada submits quarry application for ARA approval

Strada Aggregates has submitted its quarry application to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) for approval under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA).

Strada is proposing a below-the- water-table (about 200 feet) blast quarry within the footprint of its existing 360-acre sand and gravel pit in the Township of Melancthon. The proposed quarry would ship up to two million tonnes of aggregate per year, and would use existing entrances, exits and haul routes.

Township of Melancthon Mayor Darren White and Councillor Bill Neilson were before Clearview council on Monday as part of what they describe as a travelling road show to inform neighbouring municipalities of the application.

“Council is unable to take a position on the application until it has been formally received and reviewed in detail,” said Neilson. “Both the public and council will have the opportunity to provide feedback through the Aggregate Resources Act’s notification and consultation process.”

Once the application has been processed, there will be a 60-day commenting period.

White said the Township of Melancthon will submit an objection within that initial commenting period, followed by a more detailed objection after their review.

White said Melancthon is a sensitive aquifer area.

“Where Melanchthon sits at the top of the Dundalk dome – the highest point in southern Ontario – and many of the rivers locally either start or are heavily influenced by the aquifers there. That includes the Mad, the Noisy, the Pine, the Boyne, the Nottawasaga and the Grand River,” said White.

The plan is to treat the water and return it to the rivers proportionately. “I’m not a hydrologist so I don’t know how you can guarantee me that but I guess we’ll see,” said White.

He said while there is a surplus of licensed aggregates in Ontario, with the recent passing of Bill 5 and the creation of special economic zones, proposed provincial road construction projects such as Highway 413 and a tunnel under the 401, plus additional housing supply, would create a need for more aggregate supply.

“Everybody needs aggregate,” said White, including municipalities. “We’re fully aware that we need aggregate and we use a lot of aggregate that comes out of your quarry here in Clearview.”

Township of Melancthon has committed to being proactive on notifying surrounding neighbours about applications, beyond what is required by policy.

Melancthon successfully defended its prime farmland and headwaters from an aggregate company’s proposed mega-quarry back in 2012.

Normally the public wouldn’t be aware of a quarry application until this phase of the application but Strada reached out to NDACT –the North Dufferin Agricultural and Community Taskforce – in 2021. As a result of a consultation process NDACT and Strada have signed an agreement – believed to be the first of its kind in Canada – giving NDACT unprecedented input and decision-making into Strada’s quarry application prior to being submitted. As part of the agreement, NDACT will not oppose the application until and unless the science shows the quarry could harm the environment.

Other individuals and groups like Melancthon Against Quarries are campaigning against the quarry application.