When it comes to aggregate groups, Puslinch Mayor Dennis Lever would like to see a merger of the minds.
On Sept. 21, Mayor Dennis Lever mentioned the report on Ontario Responsible Sourcing – a study examining Ontario’s attitudes towards aggregate extraction.
That report suggested 85% of respondents believe a voluntary certification system recognizing environmentally and socially responsible pits and quarries is a good idea.
Nicholas Schulz, director of communications for Socially and Environmentally Responsible Aggregate (SERA) said that is good idea.
Lever said SERA made a presentation at the recent Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) conference.
Later that week, Lever was scheduled to be at a meeting with a group called the Aggregate Forum, which is also working on a program to improve the environmental responsibilities associated with aggregate extraction operations.
Lever said while there are currently two groups, from his perspective he would like to see a single group eventually.
When asked who the membership of the Aggregate Forum is, Lever said Gravel Watch, Ontario Sandstone Gravel Association as well as some other environmental and producer groups.
He noted some of the Dufferin producers had been part of that group but split off to form SERA along with the environmental defence.
“After the meeting, I’ll report back to council,” Lever said.
He added the report would be an overview of the two groups, “of what I understand at that time.”
