BURLINGTON, ONT. – Nelson Aggregate has announced the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) has issued a decision approving the proposed expansion of its Burlington Quarry.
This clears the way for issuance of the required aggregate licence, subject to conditions, explains a release.
The proposed expansion would add about 50.5 hectares to the existing quarry operation.
“After an extensive hearing involving thousands of pages of technical evidence and expert testimony, the tribunal found that the expansion is consistent with provincial planning policy, represents good planning and is in the public interest,” it reads.
“The tribunal also found that Nelson had satisfactorily addressed concerns relating to groundwater and surface water, natural heritage, fugitive dust, blasting and fly-rock through its site plans, monitoring programs and adaptive management plan.”
The City of Burlington issued its own statement following the decision, expressing its disappointment.
“Council’s position has been clear: the city opposed the proposed expansion because of the potential impacts to the natural environment, wildlife, groundwater, the rural community and the quality of life of residents directly affected by the proposal,” the city said.
“We recognize this decision will be difficult news for many residents and community advocates who have worked for years to protect the Mount Nemo Plateau and the Niagara Escarpment. We acknowledge the time, care and evidence that residents, organizations and partners have brought forward throughout this process and recognize the concerns that remain within the community.”
The city added it is reviewing the decision with legal counsel.
“We respect the Tribunal’s rigorous process and are grateful for a decision grounded in evidence, science and Ontario’s planning framework,” said Quinn Moyer, president of Nelson Aggregate. “This outcome allows us to continue supplying the high-quality aggregate our growing region needs while delivering significant long-term community and environmental benefits.”
Among the OLT’s key findings:
- The expansion is consistent with the provincial planning statement and will make available as much of the close-to-market aggregate resource as realistically possible to serve the western Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area.
- The proposed monitoring and mitigation measures satisfactorily address environmental and operational concerns, including water resources, natural heritage, air quality and blasting.
- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks advised they had no outstanding requirements; Conservation Halton resolved its concerns and withdrew from the hearing; and the Niagara Escarpment Commission entered into settlement terms supporting the required Niagara Escarpment approvals.
The Burlington Quarry and expansion lands are planned to be conveyed to Conservation Halton following completion of extraction and rehabilitation, creating nearly 1,000 acres of publicly accessible parkland and open space.
The tribunal’s interim order requires Nelson to complete specified revisions to its site plans and adaptive management plan before the final licence order is issued.
“We have always believed that partnership, not prolonged confrontation, is the best path forward,” added Moyer. “Our door remains open to the City of Burlington, residents and community groups as we move ahead with implementation and work to maximize the long-term public benefits of the project.”
Additional monitoring, agency review and environmental approval requirements will apply before extraction begins in the south and west quarry extensions, the release adds.
