On Tuesday September 8, we sent an email to all 29 candidates running in the Town of Caledon, requesting that they complete our aggregate-focused survey by Friday September 18.

For each question, we provided background context. Answers were to be Yes or No, with an opportunity to Comment in more detail at the end of the survey. Candidates also had the option to not respond to a question.

On the survey report cards, due to space constraints, we have only provided the questions.

Below is the background context and each questions asked.

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The current provincial approach to aggregate resource management is seriously flawed, as shown by the 2023 Auditor General’s report,. The Reform Gravel Mining Coalition demands a moratorium (temporary pause) now, on all new approvals for gravel mining in Ontario, including interim orders and site plan amendments for mining below the water table or that increase licensed tonnages. The purpose of a moratorium is to allow time to conduct a broad consultation process to chart a new path forward. The consultation must include Indigenous Nations, affected communities, independent experts and scientists.

If elected, will you commit to advocate for a provincial moratorium on new and expanding aggregate operations?

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Premier Ford has removed the right under the Ontario Planning Act, for the community to appeal a decision by the Municipal Council to approve an aggregate expansion application. Regardless of whether the council approves or rejects a rezoning application, under the new Ford policy, the only way to preserve the rights of the residents to appeal a decision, is for Municipal Council to vote NO or render “No Decision”.  

An appeal of an aggregate application to the Ontario Land Tribunal can be daunting and expensive, but it is often the only way to secure the strongest protections for residents and the environment. Municipalities have far more influence in this process than local grassroots groups. We are looking for a leader who will fight for our communities’ right to have a voice in this forum.

If elected, will you commit to take actions that preserve the rights of citizens to voice their concerns at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearings involving new aggregate applications?

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New and expanded quarry operations bring substantial increases to local truck traffic, creating increased road safety risks and increasing the damage to road infrastructure.  However, the fees provided to municipalities are insufficient to fund the necessary repairs.

If elected, will you advocate with the Ontario government for royalty rates that ensure that the operator, rather than municipal taxpayers, pays the full cost of necessary road upgrades, maintenance and damage associated with quarry operation?

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Once aggregate mines are in operation, residents who have concerns about compliance must rely on the Ministry of Natural Resources to investigate and address them. However, as confirmed by the Auditor General’s report, the Ministry’s response to compliance issues has been inadequate and incomplete, leaving residents to struggle on their own to have their concerns addressed and resolved.

If elected, will you commit to being actively involved with residents and advocating on their behalf to ensure that the Ministry responds effectively to aggregate-related compliance concerns? 

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Our community already has multiple aggregate mining operations in place. However, when applications for new operations are received, the cumulative impacts of the existing operations and/or other new planned operations  are not taken into consideration when the municipality reviews individual applications. Cumulative impacts include particulate matter, respirable crystalline silica, diesel emissions, noise, traffic and groundwater.

If elected, will you require the municipality to conduct a cumulative impact assessment  of all existing operations and the new proposals, rather than evaluate each application in isolation?

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Aggregate production is not a benign activity and causes the destruction of farmland and the natural environment.  Industry published data does not support the need for new aggregate. 

If elected, before approving a new application, will you require the proponent to demonstrate ‘need’  through consideration of existing licensed aggregate reserves, and unused extraction capacity.

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Proponent assessments of the impacts on air quality, dust, noise and groundwater, for expanded and new operations, are typically based on “best case” modelled results.  There is generally no commitment to monitoring of actual operating results and enforcement from regulators has been very weak as noted in the Auditor General’s report.

If elected, will you support mandatory monitoring of air quality, dust, noise and groundwater around aggregate operations, with results made available to the public and prompt enforcement consequences when limits or operating conditions are exceeded?

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Water Quality integrity and verification are critical to all communities surrounding existing and proposed aggregate operations.

If elected, will you commit to independent baseline water testing of adjacent water bodies and the local watershed to ensure their future health and integrity?