b'PUBLIC CONSULTATIONWorking with our neighboursPublic consultation is key to the smooth operation of aggregate sites situated in close proximity to communitiesBy Warren HeeleyP itsandquarriesareanessentialpieceoftheGiven all the negative press that is generated about pits and puzzle in the supply of aggregate products. Asquarries, people often dont realize that Ontario aggregate noted on the OSSGA website, Our membersproducersaresubjecttothemoststringentprovincial supply the substantial majority of the approx- regulationsandoperationalstandardsinCanada.They imately164milliontonnesofaggregatehave to carry out rigorous technical evaluations, including consumed annually in the province to build and maintainassessmentsthatlookatenvironmentalconcernssuchas Ontarios infrastructure needs.water and atmospheric impacts on surrounding neighbours and wildlife.Equally important is the image producers portray to the communities located in the vicinity of their pits andTheaggregateindustryworksextremelyhardat quarries.Publicconsultationandongoingrelationshipscommunicating this message to a community and cultivating are vital in order to reduce the negative stigma of thegood working relationships. What has worked well is an open sites and affirm aggregate producers as members of theandtransparentapproachthatprovidesneighbourswith community, like any other business. It isnt always easy,both initial and continuous information about the site and but it is critical to a sites success. encourages them to bring any concerns to the producer at any time. Essentially, aggregate sites aim to maintain an open Buildingrelationshipswiththelocalcommunitydoor policy.around a pit or quarry is challenging. The best approachProducersrecognizetheimportanceofconsultation istoprovideaccurate,ongoinginformationandbecomewithcommunitiesduringthepermit/licenceprocessand engaged in the community as much as possible, explainsthroughout the life of the aggregate site, states Caitlin Port, SteveMay,landmanager,Westernregion,atCBMassociate, MHBC, a land-use planning consultancy serving the Aggregates, a division of St Marys Cement Inc. (Canada) andaggregate industry. Their efforts are making a difference in a producer member of OSSGA. the image of the industry to their neighbour communities. 8 AVENUESFALL 2021'