Ms. Sylvia Jones: My question is for the Minister of Natural Resources. As you know, the proposed application for a quarry in the township of Melancthon involves over 2,300 acres. This application is the largest in Ontario’s history. Reviewing an application of this size and scope is going to take significant time and resources from your ministry. Minister, do you believe you have the staff and expertise available in MNR to review this proposed quarry application?

Hon. Linda Jeffrey: I’m pleased to answer the question again. I want to reassure the public, and especially the citizens of the township of Melancthon, that we’re only at the beginning of the licence application process. In fact, it’s my job as the Minister of Natural Resources—it’s my responsibility—to ensure that all concerns, whether they’re environmental concerns, health concerns or safety concerns, are addressed before any licence is issued. Let me make it clear: If these concerns are not addressed, no licence will be issued and no excavation shall commence.

I understand that there has been significant local concern expressed about this aggregate licence application. While I was not legally able to extend the objection period, I made it clear that I intended to consider comments outside the initial 45 days. As a result, I extended the comment period for the environmental registry. The additional 76 days will give the community a chance to provide their opinions—

The Speaker (Hon. Steve Peters): Thank you. Supplementary?

Ms. Sylvia Jones: Minister, I do appreciate the extension—I think that’s an important part of the consultation process—but my question was very specific: Can you assure the residents in my riding that the Aggregate Resources Act will provide the same level of protection and scrutiny that an environmental assessment would?

Hon. Linda Jeffrey: I can tell you that I have been in contact with the member from Dufferin–Caledon and the Melancthon city council. I know they’re concerned; they’ve shared those concerns with me personally. I also spoke with Mayor Hill about this issue a number of weeks ago to let him know that my ministry was going to extend the EBR comment period.

Even before the application was submitted, I know that the proposed quarry was the subject of significant media attention. Residents are concerned about the preservation of agricultural land and the quarry’s effect on the water table.

The Aggregate Resources Act has a process that gives the applicant up to two years—until March 2013—to have resolved any objections to the application. If there are still unresolved objections to the licence after that two-year period, the Ministry of Resources can refer the application to the Ontario Municipal Board.

We’re still listening; we’re still in that process where people can provide comments.

via Legislative Assembly of Ontario | Debates & Proceedings | Debates (Hansard) | Official Records for 1 June 2011.