Proposed gravel pit in Woolwich draws criticism from locals
Another local township has reached a settlement with a developer over a gravel pit proposal, and some residents aren't too happy about it.
Woolwich Township's recent settlement with Capital Paving concerns a proposed gravel pit on Foerster Road.
During Tuesday night’s council meeting, Woolwich mayor Sandy Shantz explained the township was able to get some concessions from the company on issues like well water monitoring.
She said if the entire issue had been left in the hands of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) then the township would likely have had even less control over the outcome.
“We all appreciate that the public would like to see additional public hearings. That's just not part of the process once an appeal is filed with the OLT,” Shantz said. “The decision rests with the tribunal and is out of our hands.”
After a non-decision by the township on the project, Capital Paving appealed the case to the OLT.
Capital Paving has applied to the township for an official plan amendment and a zoning bylaw amendment to permit a gravel pit to be established on the property at 1175 Forester Road, 1195 Forester Road, and 1472 Village View Road.
The company also applied to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry for a license for an above the water table pit.
According to the council package, the applications have been the subject of peer reviews by the township and region.
Shantz said she recognizes the community opposition to the gravel pit and totally understands the frustration.
The OLT will still be hearing an appeal from some community groups.
“This entire ordeal has only been an exercise in exhibiting a supreme injustice to our community of Maryhill,” delegate Silvana Gobbi said.
Shantz added that fighting the proposal at the provincial level would be extremely costly, likely unwinnable and could wipe away any gains made with the company.
She said provincial rules surrounding the aggregate industry don't leave municipalities with much flexibility.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.