Aggregate (sand, gravel, stone) extraction is among the most
controversial and heavily regulated industries in Ontario.
Necessary to build all infrastructure in the province, it is
grossly underappreciated by the public.
The industry is governed by a hodgepodge of legislation: the
Aggregate Resources Act (ARA), the Ontario Water
Resources Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the
Endangered Species Act, the Federal Fisheries
Act, the Provincial Policy Statement and the Growth Plan. It
is further subject to a maze of complex rules, policies and
procedures.
Licencing Approvals Process
An operator cannot operate a pit or quarry without first
securing a licence from the Minister of Natural Resources and
Forestry (the "Ministry"). The terms and conditions of
that licence will depend on a number of factors, including whether
the extraction is above or below the water table, whether the
extraction is on private or public land and what quantum of
aggregate is
