b'COVER STORYcloser-to-marketaggregatesuppliesarevital.ThereareseveralSweetnam. Look at the Town of Caledon, where we have the bulk of reasons why mitigating the long haul of sand, stone and gravelour operations. Despite the fact that its a major aggregate producer makessense.Forone,saysPowers,itiseasieronthebottomand one of the largest concentrations of aggregate sites in Canada, line.TransportationisthesinglebiggestexpenseinaggregateCaledon was just voted the Happiest Community in Canada and production, absorbing up to 60 per cent of the cost. The fartherresidents property values have doubled in the last few years. What itsproducedfromthemarketwhereitsconsumed,themoremore do you want as proof that aggregate extraction in close-to-expensive it becomes, he says. market locations does not have a negative impact on people? Naturally,addsMcSweeney,reducingtransportationFor now, the barriers to getting more pits and quarries online near requirements also has environmental benefits: Yes, we can bringthe GTHA continue to be NIMBYism and red tapeboth of which aggregate from North Bay or Parry Sound to Ontarios waterfront, but think of how much greenhouse gas is being produced by allrequireongoingpubliceducationandpoliticalsupport.Untilthen, that transportation, not to mention the wear and tear its havingthere is an opportunity for recycled aggregates to help fill the supply on our roads and highways. I always say that if you believe gettingneed. Recycled aggregates make up a small fraction of the amount your food close to home is a sustainable way of life, then you shouldof aggregate, and many municipalities have complete bans on using believeingettingyourconstructionmaterialasclosetohomerecycled aggregates because it is not as strong, says Powers. Still, aswell.recycled aggregate has a lot of basic uses and can be of help right now. There are logistical, financial and environmental advantages toThere is no overstating the role aggregates play in building and supporting close-to-market aggregate production. Moreover, saysmaintaining our modern way of life. As Ontario continues to approve Sweetnam, there is enough unlicensed rock resource in southerndevelopments that will spur growth and accommodate its growing Ontario to supply regional developments for years to come. Thepopulation, access to high-quality sand, stone and gravel materials key,hecontinues,istoconvincedecision-makerstoallowthewill be essential. industry to license these strategic, provincially significant resources. This often means convincing politicians and parts of the populationAsPowersobserves,Ifyoubelieveinthisprovince,andyou that having a pit or quarry close to where they live is a benefit, notbelieve that roads are the lifeblood of its economic prosperity, and a disturbance. that affordable housing, quality healthcare and strong education are Pitsandquarriescanoperateincloseharmonywiththeirthe foundation of the Canadian dream, then you need to support the communitiesandtheenvironmentwithoutconflict,explainsaggregate industry and its push for new quarry development.Efficient Solutions forEfficient Solutions forEfficient Solutions forMining & QuarryingMining & QuarryingMining & QuarryingROSTA AB ROSTA SE ROSTA MBROSTA AB ROSTA SE ROSTA MBROSTA AB ROSTA SE ROSTA MBROSTA Canada www.rosta.cominfo.canada@rosta.comROSTA Canada www.rosta.cominfo.canada@rosta.comROSTA Canada www.rosta.cominfo.canada@rosta.comWINTER 2024AVENUES 13'