February 27, 2014, Ottawa, Ont. – The Ontario Stone, Sand
and Gravel Association recognizes the changing landscape of the province’s
aggregate industry. They have participated heavily in the review of Ontario’s
Aggregate Resources Act, conducted valuable research on issues surrounding
water extraction and rehabilitation, and consulted with government ministries
on issues important to the day-to-day operations of producers across the
province.
February 27, 2014, Ottawa, Ont. – The Ontario Stone, Sand
and Gravel Association recognizes the changing landscape of the province’s
aggregate industry. They have participated heavily in the review of Ontario’s
Aggregate Resources Act, conducted valuable research on issues surrounding
water extraction and rehabilitation, and consulted with government ministries
on issues important to the day-to-day operations of producers across the
province.
At the OSSGA 2014 Annual General Meeting, held at the
Fairmont Chateau Laurier in Ottawa, members were provided with information
presented by a series of speakers to help understand how the industry landscape
is changing, and how companies can survive in the wake of continued
environmental and societal pressures that are making it difficult to affordably
do business in the province.
Creating a ‘Net Gain’
One contentious issue facing the industry in Ontario is the
concept of ‘net gain’ for new pit applications. The term refers to the fact that
there must be a ‘net gain’ on the land used for aggregate extraction; the
subsequent use of the land must be a ‘net gain’ versus the original use of the
land.
The discussion during the presentation centered around the
fact that people outside of the industry see ‘net gain’ as a replacement of the
original land use, plus additional compensations. However, ‘net gain’ doesn’t
necessarily involved returning the land to its original use. Other important
factors have to be considered at the time of rehabilitation, including the land
uses surrounding the rehabilitation site, needs for community parks and
recreation lands, and a careful look at the need for certain types of
environmental lands in the area (wetlands, marshes). According to Dave Charlton
from Stantec, one of the presenters on the issue: “Like for like is not
a requirement for net gain. Increasing habitat diversity IS part of net gain.”
The OSSGA AGM wraps up Friday with the
announcement of the winners of the 2013 OSSGA Industry Advancement Awards and a
special keynote presentation from Colonel Chris Hadfield.
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