Brampton shale extraction proposal: quarry quarrel

NRU
July 19, 2017
By Dominik Matusik

A proposed shale quarry in northwest Brampton is the source of controversy over environmental impacts, particularly the potential effects on animal habitats and groundwater quality, as well as its visual impact on surrounding rural communities.

To proceed with the Norval Quarry, owner Brampton Brick requires a zoning bylaw amendment to change the use on its site from protected countryside to aggregate extraction and an Aggregate Resources Act licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

Brampton council opposes both applications so Brampton Brick appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Located in the greenbelt, the 34.9-ha site, on the eastern side of Winston Churchill Boulevard north of its intersection with Old Pine Crest Road, is designated protected countryside and natural heritage in the Greenbelt Plan. While aggregate extraction is allowed under this designation, applications must adequately address potential concerns.

Brampton policy planner Natasha Rea says this has not happened. The city’s peer review of Brampton Brick’s technical studies has revealed “inconsistent approaches and assumptions” which staff says make them unacceptable.

Rea told NRU that there are outstanding issues related to traffic, groundwater, and the negative visual impacts of a quarry.

“We have a rural landscape out there for the most part, so just adjusting to the changes that would be introduced as part of this quarry proposal [would be a challenge],” she says.

Environmental Defence executive director Tim Gray told NRU that, while the Greenbelt Plan permits aggregate extraction in some cases, quarries can have negative environmental impacts on animal habitats and safety, and groundwater.

“[Brampton Brick’s site] is within the natural heritage system...When you have these sensitive sites, if there is something that’s going to go ahead, you really need to go beyond the usual if you’re going to destroy habitat in southern Ontario where it’s so rare. Especially stuff that’s been designated as important.”

Further, Gray says he questions the wisdom of allowing aggregate companies to circumvent council decisions through the OMB.

The OMB has scheduled a 90-day hearing to begin September 10, 2018.

Neither Wards 2 & 6 city councillor Doug Whillans nor Wards 2 & 6 regional councillor Michael Palleschi were available for comment before deadline. Representatives from Brampton Brick were also unavailable.