Approvals Required
Several approvals are required before this operation might be permitted, including:
1. Municipal Land Use Approvals
- Compliance with the Township of Woolwich Official Plan
- Township of Woolwich zoning amendments
Land use approvals will be granted or denied by Township of Woolwich Council. Council will review the application in connection with the documents noted above, as well as the Regional Municipality of Waterloo Official Plan, and the 1996/97 Provincial Policy Statement. Other relevant reference materials include the 2005 Provincial Policy Statement. Council decisions can be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). A decision of the OMB can be appealed to the Provincial Cabinet (Premier and Ministers) under certain provisions (such as where the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing provides written notice to the OMB that an appeal to the Board may affect a Provincial Interest).
2. Class A Licence under the Ontario Aggregate Resources Act
The license will be granted or denied by the Minister of Natural Resources. Issues under the Planning Act and Aggregates Act related to this matter may be referred to the Ontario Municipal Board. Where other approvals are required as well (for example, water taking permits under the Ontario Water Resources Act, approvals under the Environmental Protection Act, and environmental assessments), these matters, along with the planning and aggregate matters, may be referred to a Consolidated Hearings Board. A decision of the Consolidated Hearings Board may be appealed to the Provincial Cabinet (Premier and Ministers).
Technical Studies
Several technical studies must be prepared and submitted by Capital Paving under the Aggregate Resources Act and in accordance with the Official Plan. Technical studies include:
- Aggregate quality and geology
- Agriculture
- Cultural-heritage
- Ground and surface water
- Natural environment
- Noise
- Planning and land use
- Traffic and truck routes.
These studies must document existing conditions, potential impacts of the proposed development and suitable remedial measures to mitigate impacts of the development. Site plans are required and must include existing features, operational plans, progressive and final rehabilitation plans, and cross-sections of the site.
Timeframe for Approvals
Timeframes for approval or denial vary. The timeframe will be specific to this application. Relevant laws specify minimum timelines for public notice, public consultation opportunities, and filings of objection. Decisions on applications for aggregate extraction operations have taken over 7 years, including appellate procedures.
