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'Page 3, 'Néws, Tuesday: Séptember' 11, 1990 Locals co- operate with MNR to protect environment By Monica Wenzlaff The News The new Aggregate Resources Act has brought about major changes in the way people obtain sand, gravel and top soil. The act, which was proclaimed on January 1, 1990, replaces the Pits and Quarries Act, the Beach Protection Act and Part VII of the Mining Act. The thrust of the new legislation is environmental control, regulation and enforce- ment. Pit sites used to extract aggregate material must now be rehabilitated. Under the act, com- mercial permit holders are required to pay eight cents per tonne extracted to ensure that the rehabilitation is completed after the site is no longer being used. "It's their money still. We just hold it for them," said Ken McWatters, a Senior Lands Technician with the Ministry of Natural Resources. "When they're finished, we want them (the pit sites) back in production in some form." The sites must be in a condition acceptable for such uses as forestry, industrial or commercial development or park- lands. In the past, aggregate resources were free to commer- cial operators as well as individu- als. A permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources was required before any extraction could take place, and permits were issued to individuals free. Commercial operators only paid a $10 permit fee and extraction conditions were minimal. Yet now, everyone must pur- chase a permit from the Ministry in order to obtain any aggregate 'resources from Crown land, and there is a charge for any material extracted Commercial permits cost $100 and a personal permit can be obtained for a fee of $25. To be issued a permit, a site plan must be constructed, speci- fying the exact dimensions of the pit that will be used to extract the resources. Length, width, and depth measurements are neces- sary. Anyone operating a pit with- out a permit, or not complying _ with the site plan or any part of the new legislation faces serious penalties. The minimum fine is $500 daily until the damage caused by the offence is correct- ed, and fines can run as high as $30,000 daily. Previously, the maximum fine for an infraction was $500. "You just can't be going out making these holes in the ground anymore," said McWatters. This site, operated by Dave Desrosiers Aggregates Ltd., is one of the largest aggregate pits in this area. cont'd from page 1 accommodate local boaters. Removal of the rock at the mouth of the river would provide better access to larger boats. Other possibilities for improvement are an organized parking area, the installation of washrooms, a picnic area, a play- ground and a concession stand. Access to the falls and the gorge, as well as an emphasis on the Slate Islands could be features that would easily be promoted. Young and Crompton pointed out that there is only a small amount of money presently avail- able for development. They sug- gested that the town begin with improvements at the beach to promote what is already there. Once the tourists become interest- ed, further development can then take place through government grants. In the long term, the study looked at the possibility of using Hydro Bay to develop a full-ser- vice marina. "What we've got so far is just concepts and ideas," said Town Clerk Dave Fulton. "It's not carved in stone. More than 40 local people attended the presentation, and were given a chance to voice there opinion on what was sug- gested. Before any final decisions on the project are made by the town, more studies must be done. These will be detailed and will take the cost factor into consider- ation to help determine which route will eventually be taken. Council plans to consider spe- cific plans in the near future, and hope to begin development by 1991. HOSPITAL QUIPS ee ee es Photo by Monica Wenzlaff ICALLOUSES ?} Corns?" Remove them quickly and . easily. Li ) Pas msc UPA ee 60... Bi McWatters said he was pre- dicting problems while changing to the new system, because of the Stricter guidelines. Yet Ken "McWatters said that local con- tractors have been very co-opera- Toronto, Ontario M7A1C2 THE ORDER OF ONTARIO An exceptional honour for exceptional people The Order of Ontario recognizes outstanding Ontarians who have rendered service of the greatest distinction and of excellence in their fields of endeav- our...People whose accomplishments and contribu- tions have benefitted society not only in Ontario, but across Canada and throughout the world. People such as authors Margaret Atwood and Robertson Davies; artists Maureen Forrester and Gordon Lightfoot; physicians Dr. Wilbert Keon and Dr. Charles Drake; educators Rev. Roger Guindon and Dr. Murray Ross; athletes Alex Baumann and Vicki Keith; community leaders Harry Gairey and Kathleen Taylor--all of: whom are among the 77 distinguished Ontarians who have received the award since its inception in 1986. What outstanding Ontarian would you like to see receive this honour? Nominations are now being sought for the 1991 awards. To obtain a nomination form, or for further information, please write: The Ontario Honours and Awards Secretariat Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs 6th Floor, Mowat Block, 900 Bay Street 'The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, October 31, 1990. @ Ontario tive. "We were anticipating a diffi- cult time, but contractors have reacted well," said McWatters. "I'm really happy with the opera- tors I have down here." \FRENCHIES MAID SERVICE | I Ning YOUR HOUSEWORK GOTTEN. TOBE TOO MUCH TO HANDLE? 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