A group known as the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition is advocating for a halt on new gravel pits and quarries in Ontario, citing a recent report from the province’s auditor general. Rhonda Kirby has been opposing a proposed gravel quarry near Blind River in northern Ontario for over a decade. Researchers from Laurentian University found that the site for the proposed quarry, near Lauzon Lake, has one of the highest reported densities of Blanding’s turtles in Ontario, with 56 turtles discovered during field research, making it 1.8 turtles per hectare.
Blanding’s turtles, identified as a threatened species in Ontario, have a distinct yellow throat and chin. Kirby, a member of the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition, argues that a moratorium on new gravel pits and quarries is necessary until proper measures are in place to protect and restore areas like the one near Lauzon Lake. The coalition points to the auditor general’s follow-up report on aggregate resource management in Ontario, which raised concerns about sector oversight.
The auditor general’s initial report in 2023 made 31 recommendations to enhance the regulation of the aggregate industry by the Ministry of Natural Resources. Subsequent updates revealed that some recommendations were fully implemented, while others were in progress or had shown little advancement. Kirby emphasized the need for systemic improvements before proceeding with new projects, emphasizing the importance of stringent environmental and community health and safety measures.
The Reform Gravel Mining Coalition asserts that there are already sufficient gravel quarries in Ontario to meet existing demands, contrasting with the Ministry of Natural Resources’ estimation of 2.5 billion tonnes of aggregate needed solely for the Greater Toronto Area. The ministry has indicated no plans for a moratorium on new pits or quarries, highlighting ongoing efforts to address the auditor general’s recommendations and enhance compliance measures, including a significant increase in aggregate inspections.
While the auditor general’s office refrained from commenting on specific policy decisions, emphasizing that such matters are the province’s prerogative, they noted that the accuracy of information regarding available aggregate reserves had not significantly improved in the province’s latest study. The Ministry of Natural Resources remains committed to fulfilling the auditor general’s recommendations and enhancing oversight through additional inspectors and increased inspection frequency.
