Ontario has given the green light to Dufferin Aggregates’ Milton quarry extension by dismissing the appeal of groups opposed the application.
MONTREAL
Ontario has given the green light to Dufferin Aggregates’ Milton quarry extension by dismissing the appeal of groups opposed the application.
In June 2005, a Joint Board composed of two hearing officers from the Ontario Municipal Board and the Environmental Review Tribunal ruled that the application was in the public interest and approved it, with strong conditions.
This decision was appealed to the Provincial Cabinet by two environmental groups and three members of the public.
“We are pleased with Cabinet’s decision to uphold the board’s approval” said Bill Galloway, general manager for Dufferin Aggregates, a business unit of St. Lawrence Cement. “All the agencies supported the project, and it fits well with government policy. We agree with the board’s conditions, especially since most of them had already been recommended by the municipalities, the Niagara Escarpment Commission and Conservation Halton.”
Dufferin Aggregates will hand over 1,000 acres of the rehabilitated quarry and adjacent lands to public ownership. It will include naturalized wetlands, woodlands and a working reservoir.
Planning for the Milton expansion began in 1996 with environmental research and geological studies that formed the basis of the license application.
During these years, the proposal has been making its way through the mandated regulatory process while undergoing a number of changes in response to comments from stakeholders.
The Milton quarry has supplied high quality crushed stone for GTA infrastructure and construction needs since 1962, including Pearson Airport and Hwy. 407.
It employs 80 people. The extension adds another 15 years of operation.
DCN NEWS SERVICES
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