NDACT sees hope in Flamborough decision

After almost six years, Ontario minister of municipal affairs and housing, Jim Bradley, this week ordered a halt to zoning changes for a St. Mary’s Cement proposal to establish a 154-acre quarry site in Flamborough Township.

And opponents of a Highlands Companies proposal for a 2,400-acre quarry in Melancthon Township are taking heart from the fact that the Flamborough opposition, similar to theirs, was based largely on potential adverse effects on water.

A major difference between the Flamborough and Melancthon opposition might be that the community group opposing the quarry there – FORCE (Friends of Rural Communities and Environment) – had powerful allies, including the City of Hamilton, Halton Region council, Milton town council and two medical officers of health.

Additionally, the St. Mary’s zoning application had been submitted, whereas Melancthon council has yet to see an application and, so far, has been presented with nothing to either approve or disapprove.

In Flamborough, the ministerial freezing of a zoning change for the 154 acres at issue was viewed as almost unprecedented. But historically, approximately 16 per cent of pits and quarries applications have been denied with or without conditions by the Ontario Municipal Board. While the majority of applications have been upheld at the OMB, often after protracted battles, there is never a certainty that an application will win approval.

No one has reported it being stated, but the ministerial stand (a ministerial zoning order) might have been courageous, as the Provincial Policy Statement gives preference to aggregates.

A local news report said announcement of the decision by Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin (Ancaster- Dundas-Flamborough- Westdale) at Waterdown Tuesday was greeted by cheers, tears, hugs, kisses and handshakes from a small crowd of about 20.

Mr. McMeekin described it as “a watershed day,” but the battle might not be over. St. Mary’s has 30 days in which to appeal the ministerial direction.

In the meantime, North Dufferin Agriculture and Community Taskforce and other quarry opponents are viewing Tuesday’s decision as a bright ray of hope for their cause.