Aggregate Resources Master Plan

image if heavy equipment being used in a gravel pit

Image of heavy equipment in a gravel pit Image credit: G. Tackaberry & Sons Construction Company Ltd.

The Counties is in the first phase of preparing an Aggregate Resources Master Plan (see “Project Description” below). The lead consultant, Nick McDonald from Meridian Planning, has met with a technical steering committee composed of municipal and provincial representatives, consulted with local municipalities and aggregate producers and held a public open house on May 31, 2021 (see “Documents” below for PowerPoint presentation from the meeting).

The first draft of updated aggregate resource areas mapping (sand and gravel deposits), which excludes constrained lands such as environmentally protected lands and lands in proximity to settlement areas has been released (see Documents below) and comments are welcome (see below for how to provide comments). Mapping for bedrock resources is currently being completed and will be released for comment soon.

See “Phases of the Study” (below) for next steps and if you are interested, please email us (contact below) to be added to our mailing list so that you may receive any updates

Project Description

The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville (UCLG) is undertaking an Aggregate Resources Master Plan. The UCLG recognizes the importance of mineral aggregate resources, including sand, gravel and bedrock and that they are a fixed location non-renewable resource that must be protected for long-term use. The UCLG Official Plan identifies that an Aggregate Resources Master Plan needs to be completed and the results of the plan implemented by an official plan amendment.

The Aggregate Master Plan will consider all available mapping, potential constraints, the official plan policy framework and schedules, and recommend potential criteria to be considered with development applications.

The study is being overseen by a technical steering committee composed of local municipal planning staff, provincial staff and UCLG staff and is being undertaken by Meridian Planning. There will be multiple consultation opportunities throughout the study with municipalities, aggregate stakeholders and residents. The draft Master Plan and draft Official Plan Amendment will be presented to Planning Advisory Committee and Counties Council.

The work on the Aggregate Resources Master Plan started in January 2021 with a goal of having the Master Plan and Official Plan Amendment to the Planning Advisory Committee and Counties Council before the end of 2021.

What are mineral aggregate resources?

Mineral aggregate resources are naturally occurring materials on/below the earth’s surface that are suitable for use in construction, industry, manufacturing and maintenance purposes. In UCLG, this mostly includes sand, gravel and bedrock resources. Other examples include clay, earth, shale, stone, limestone, dolostone, sandstone, marble and granite.

Why is planning for mineral aggregate resources important?

Mineral aggregate resources are a non-renewable resource with a limited supply. Therefore, it is important that the most viable deposits be preserved for the long-term as close to where they are needed to meet construction, industrial, manufacturing and maintenance needs.

It must also be recognized that the extraction of mineral aggregate resources can also impact surrounding land uses (e.g. noise and dust). As such, it is important that any mineral aggregate resources land use designations be located and separated appropriate distances from uses such as residential and institutional uses and from natural features such as Provincially Significant Wetlands to reduce impacts.

Phases of the study

PHASE 1: Background Research

Includes gathering background information and reviewing existing documentation and policies. Phase 1 also includes initial stakeholder, municipality and agency consultation. Phase 1 includes engagement with residents (format to be finalized).

PHASE 2: Development of the Draft Master Plan

Includes analysis of the information and input gathered in Phase 1 and the development of the draft master plan and policy recommendations for implementation in the Official Plan. There will be further engagement with stakeholders (e.g. aggregate producers, relevant ministries, municipalities) and residents (details to be finalized) on the draft master plan and recommendations.

PHASE 3: Final Draft Master Plan and Official Plan Amendment

Includes finalizing the policy and mapping framework and incorporating engagement comments. This Phase also includes the Statutory Public Meeting and presentation at Planning Advisory Committee of the final draft Master Plan and Official Plan Amendment.

The Master Plan and the Official Plan Amendment will be adopted at a later Council meeting.

Documents

Current Counties Official Plan Text - See 3.5 Particularly (Note: aggregate is referenced elsewhere also)

Current Mineral Aggregate Resources Areas - 1mb (note: bedrock is not included currently)

Open House Presentation on the Aggregate Master Plan (May 31, 2021) - 2mb

Proposed Aggregate Mapping - 5 mb (note: bedrock mapping will be prepared soon)

Questions, Comments and to Get on a Mailing List

Please email Elaine Mallory, Planner or call 613-342-3840, toll free: 1-800-770-2170, ext. 2422. Please be advised that all comments received form part of the public record for this study.