“The quarry proposed by St Marys Cement Inc. for a location near Carlisle, Ontario should not be permitted” : Proponents’ Brief

Abstract

This paper presents a set of arguments claiming that construction of the quarry near Flamborough, Ontario proposed St. Mary’s Cement Inc. should not be permitted. First, the quarry would violate local citizens’ property rights, compromise community health and safety, and incur excessive economic costs. Precautionary measures are insufficient, such that the quarry is expected to irreparably damage drinking water and quality of life. Second, the area proposed for aggregate extraction is mostly undeveloped, containing unique, valuable natural features and ecological linkages. Despite regulation and monitoring according to the provincial Aggregate Resources Act, rehabilitation of the site after aggregate extraction would be inadequate in returning the land to its former condition. This will result in habitat fragmentation and loss of high quality farmland. Furthermore, the construction of the quarry is not permitted under current City of Hamilton zoning regulations; the City of Hamilton, along with the city’s Public Health Services, filed an official objection against construction. Finally, a GIS study has selected a more suitable alternative site for aggregate extraction near Carlisle, which meets the geographic, topographic, and mineral needs of St. Mary’s Cement Group without disturbing habitat or nearby communities.