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
WATCH LIVE | Johnston calls allegations of bias 'quite simply false' as MPs question him on foreign interference role
Canada's special rapporteur on foreign interference David Johnston calls the allegations swirling around his objectivity 'quite simply false,' and said Tuesday he plans to push ahead with his work, launching public hearings next month

Poilievre calls on Liberals to make killers like Bernardo stay in max-security prison
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should see to it that mass murderers serve their entire sentences in maximum-security prison.
What's behind the increase in orca-human interactions, boat attacks? Here’s what an expert thinks
The number of interactions between killer whales and humans has increased alarmingly in recent years. CTVNews.ca asked an expert to explain the reasons behind the increase in interactions, explore the types of encounters, and examine the implications for both humans and killer whales.
PGA Tour agrees to merge with Saudi-backed LIV Golf
The PGA Tour ended its expensive fight with Saudi Arabia's golf venture and now is joining forces with it, making a stunning announcement Tuesday of a merger that creates a commercial operation with the Public Investment Fund and the European tour.
Internal docs suggest Trudeau wants China blocked from Pacific Rim trade deal
An internal document suggests Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants China kept out of a Pacific Rim trade bloc, despite the Liberals publicly insisting it would welcome anyone who meets the trade deal's standards.
Federal government gives updated deal to public service union that signed agreement before PSAC strike
The federal government has given an updated deal to a public-service union that signed its collective agreement in the fall in order to match deals reached with the Public Service Alliance of Canada during a strike this spring.
Prince Harry testifies the tabloids destroyed his childhood, but fails to recall specific stories
Prince Harry entered a courtroom witness box Tuesday, swearing to tell the truth in testimony against a tabloid publisher he accuses of phone hacking and other unlawful snooping.
Feds warn 2023 on track to be the worst fire season ever seen in Canada
Canada's emergency preparedness minister says images of wildfires burning across the country are some of the most severe ever witnessed in Canada and the current forecast for the next few months indicates the potential for continued higher-than-normal fire activity.
Parents being stretched thin saving up for children's education: survey
Many Canadian parents are stretching themselves thin — even going as far as to postpone their retirement in some cases — in order to help pay for their children’s education, according to a new survey.