SUBMITTED
Consultants for Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited (TCCL) have released a revised version on Jan. 15 of their controversial proposal for a new Highland Line pit near McDonald’s Corners.
This follows the submission of more than 250 letters of concern during the 60-day response period as part of the Aggregate Resources Act licensing process. TCCL notified these partners this week of amendments to the original plan, which was first proposed in January 2023. Information on the revisions has also been posted on TCCL’s website.
According to Friends of Lanark Highlands, a group formed in opposition to this development two years ago, this revised proposal continues to raise significant local concerns, including the request to become the first local pit to excavate below the water table, permission to extract up to 500,000 tonnes of material annually, and plans for trucks to enter and leave the site as often as every two minutes via the Highland Line. Additionally, critics are worried about the potential for uranium and other radioactive materials being released into the environment during the excavation process, with TCCL yet to reassure the public on how these risks will be managed.
Residents who submitted letters of concern will have an opportunity to register ongoing opposition to the plan, expected in February. They must file objections within 20 days of receiving official objection forms, which are to be distributed soon.
TCCL also needs local zoning and bylaw amendments from the Township of Lanark Highlands and Lanark County before moving forward. Public meetings will be held by both local government bodies, offering residents a chance to further express their concerns.
Background to the proposal
Cavanagh first announced its plans in January 2023 to develop a large-scale sand and gravel pit on rolling hills adjacent to Wheeler’s Pancake House and Maple Museum, a popular tourist destination. The proposed excavation site now spans approximately 37.6 hectares, with 28.4 hectares dedicated to extraction. The location is situated adjacent to the waterfront community on Barbers Lake, close to Long Sault Creek, a network of wetlands that feeds into the local watershed.
The environmental risks posed by this development have sparked opposition. The proposal is located in an area rich with biodiversity, including sugar maple forests and wildlife habitats. More than 5,000 people have signed an online petition, Save Barbers Lake and Long Sault Creek, and roughly 1,000 letters, calls, and emails have been directed to Lanark Highlands Township and Lanark County.
The Friends of Lanark Highlands, a citizens’ group formed in April 2023 to oppose the project, has been rallying support. The group organized public events, including a Paddle and Parade Party in September 2023, to raise awareness about the potential environmental impacts.
Support from provincial government
The Ontario Sand, Stone and Gravel Association (OSSGA), of which TCCL is a member, has lobbied provincial officials in support of the aggregate industry. The Progressive Conservative government, first elected in 2018, has introduced several pieces of legislation seen as favourable to the sector, including Bill 23, which limits conservation authorities’ ability to review the impacts of development projects, and Bill 185, which prevents citizens from participating in hearings at the Ontario Land Tribunal on land development disputes.
A recent Ontario Auditor General’s Report (December 2023) pointed out that the province is not doing enough to maintain a balance between the need for aggregates for Ontario’s growing population, and the need to minimize the impacts of aggregate operations on the environment and communities, The Friends of Lanark Highlands noted.
Submitted by Friends of Lanark Highlands. They can reached at friendsoflanarkhighlands@gmail.com.
