How Much Is Too Much?
With thanks to the Reform Gravel Mining Coalition, some vital information for all communities in Ontario (or anywhere near these open quarries).
On December 6, the Auditor General of Ontario released a Value-for-Money Audit of the Management of Aggregate Resources in Ontario. The damning report confirms what we have have been saying since the launch of DAMN! Campaign—that violations are widespread in the aggregate industry, and the provincial government is failing to protect lives and the environment from the devastating impacts of gravel mining.
Here are some of the report’s key findings:
- Evidence points to a significant oversupply of aggregates
- Violations are widespread in the aggregate industry
- There are shockingly low rates of inspection and enforcement by Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF)
- Industry self-reporting is failing
- There is no process in place to ensure that pits and quarries are rehabilitated
- The MNRF’s current program for managing aggregate resources is financially and environmentally unsustainable
Check out RGMC’s Fact Sheet for a comprehensive summary of the Auditor General’s findings and recommendations.
For too long, municipalities, First Nations and taxpayers have borne the economic, social and environmental costs of gravel mining. The Auditor General’s exposé of the crisis in aggregate management empowers local decision-makers and constituents across Ontario to say no to new pits and quarries in their communities.
Join RGMC in demanding an immediate moratorium on new gravel mining approvals, until the Province implements the 18 recommendations and 31 action items put forward by the Auditor General.
Take action today:
1. Share RGMC’s Press Release, Statement and Fact Sheet on social media and in relevant groups and listservs
- Press Release: Coalition demands Ontario halt new gravel mining approvals to address crisis revealed by Auditor General
- Statement: Ontario must halt new gravel mining approvals to address crisis revealed in Auditor General’s report
- Fact Sheet: The Auditor General’s Report on Gravel Mining in Ontario
2. Send the Press Release to local media with a paragraph making the connection with local gravel mining issues
3. Sign the petition demanding a provincial moratorium on gravel mining approvals
4. Work with RGMC to get your municipal Council to pass a resolution demanding a provincial moratorium (email campaign@reformgravelmining.ca)
Thank you for being a part of our movement to reform gravel mining in Ontario!
In solidarity,
Reform Gravel Mining Coalition
https://www.reformgravelmining.ca/
