MNRF recently announced a review of aggregate operations in Ontario, with an emphasis on “engaging our partners to identify ways we can cut red tape, create jobs and build a sustainable aggregates industry.” The announcement can be found at https://www.ontario.ca/page/ontarios-aggregate-reform, which links to an on-line survey. Responses and other submissions are due May 1.
The OHI has submitted initial observations, which touch on the lack of a reasonable description of sustainable aggregates, government evidence for red tape and suggested improvements, identifying provincial interest in appropriate environmental and public health safeguards,commitments to meaningful public engagement, and the availability of designated ministry staff to provide information in response to reasonable questions. Our submission can be found at OHI to MNRF on Aggregates March 26 2019. We urge any organizations interested aggregates, the environment, and community impacts to get involved earlier rather than later.