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 second phase of preparing an Aggregate Resources Master Plan (ARMP), and has now released the Draft Aggregate Resources Master Plan. Questions and/or comments are welcomed anytime, but would be appreciated by October 22, 2021 (see below for how to provide comments).

PDF download icon Aggregate Resources Master Plan for the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville - draft, Oct. 4, 2021 (4mb)

The draft ARMP was developed by consulting team, Meridian Planning, following review of background material, meeting with a technical steering committee composed of municipal and provincial representatives, meeting with aggregate producers, hosting of a public meeting and consultation with license holders, local municipalities and agencies.

The draft ARMP includes new mapping of bedrock resources and revised mapping of sand and gravel deposits. This mapping is intended to be used as a screening tool and represents a potential development constraint for non-aggregate development. Exceptions to enable certain types of non-aggregate development are recommended in the plan and professional assessments are to be considered for other types of development. The proposed policy enables scoping and waiving of assessment requirements based on a desktop analysis of described considerations.

The ARMP also details suggested policies that would apply to proposed new and/or expanding operations and application requirements that would apply to any application to amend local planning documents to establish or expand a mineral aggregate operation. It is recommended that a Counties Official Plan amendment not be required for new or expanding mineral aggregate operations.

The final ARMP will be implemented by an Official Plan Amendment to the Counties Official Plan.

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

Included gathering background information and reviewing existing documentation and policies. Phase 1 also included meeting with a technical steering committee composed of municipal and provincial representatives, an initial aggregate industry stakeholder meeting, direct mailing to license holders and municipality and agency consultation. Phase 1 included engagement with residents via public notice and an online public meeting on May 31, 2021.

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 Aggregate Resources Master Plan which includes policy recommendations for implementation in the Official Plan. There has been a meeting of the technical steering committee (composed of municipal and provincial representatives) to obtain input on the draft document and there will be an aggregate industry stakeholder meeting in late October. Engagement with further industry stakeholders, relevant ministries, municipalities and residents is ongoing through direct notification and website updates.

PHASE 3: Final Draft Master Plan and Official Plan Amendment

Following stakeholder engagement, this phase of the study includes analysis of provided feedback and finalizing the ARMP and the proposed policy and mapping framework. This Phase also includes the Statutory Public Meeting and presentation at Planning Advisory Committee of the final draft Master Plan and the related Official Plan Amendment. It is anticipated the Master Plan and the Official Plan Amendment will be adopted in December, 2021 or January, 2022.

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, extension 2422. Please be advised that all comments received form part of the public record for this study.