b'PUBLIC CONSULTATIONThese new online options are showingOverall,producercompaniesarebecoming theefficiencyofmeetingvirtuallyandsavvierwiththeironlineactivities,which makinginformationavailableinaisneededgivenwhattheyreupagainst. digital format, says Heather Melcher,Community groups challenging producers principal and senior ecologist at Golder,are well organized online with websites and which assists producers with aggregatesocialmediaplatforms[so]ourmembers licenceandpermitapplicationsandhaverespondedwithwebsitestosupport monitoring.Webelievetherearetheir public communication strategy as well goodcommunicationrelationships betweenproducersandcommunities.asincreasingtheirsocialmediapresence, Moretransparencyisresultinginbetterstates Richard Hillier, communications manager understanding and less confrontation.atOSSGA.Headdsthatotherengagement Producers need to engage with the communityinitiativesincludedonationstolocalcommunity as soon as possible, adds Melcher. They should beprojects, support for community activities and events, as open with the public, explain the project as clearly as possible,well as hiring locally for jobs on the site. bepreparedtoanswerquestionsandstressthatthisisanArecentpresentationbyOSSGAonconsultationnotedthat interim use of the land.the new [online] methods require more time and effort than the old system but can allow thorough, controlled and documented messaging.Thepresentationexplainedthatproducersshould ensure the online consultation platform is clear and simple for residents to use, including when it comes to expressing concerns and communicating with applicants.Melcher concedes that face-to-face meetings are sometimes the better option for consultation and believes they will return as the pandemic recedes. However, she feels a hybrid of in-person and virtual consultation will become the new norm.The aggregate industry knows that understanding and working with neighbours is an important part of making the operations at a pit or quarry successful and ensure they are accepted in the local community. The larger the investment in building a solid relationship with neighbours and residents, the easier it will be for the producer and the community to work together. Aggregate is a vital resource that touches every Ontarians life on a daily basis. Unfortunately, the public is generally unaware of its impact. Through effective and regular public consultation and by becoming a part of the communities where pits and quarries are located, the industry will continue to break down these negative impressions of their sites. AsMayexplains,Publicconsultationisanongoingand progressivepartofourindustry.Weknowthatworkingwith local residents and providing them with ongoing understandable for the industry and our neighbours.information about our sites will lead to a more harmonious future 10 AVENUESFALL 2021'