Neighbours Concerned About Proposed Gravel Pit Near Wheelers

Mar 08, 2023

While there are numerous large Maple Syrup producers in North Frontenac and Lanark Highlands, the best known is Wheelers, on Highland Line near McDonalds Corners. That is because of the pancake house and maple syrup museum that has made 'Wheelers' a destination for locals and tourists during the maple season and throughout the year.

But there is more than the on-again, off-again maple syrup season concerning the Wheeler family, and other neighbouring property owners, this March.

A proposed new gravel quarry on a 51 acre parcel of land abutting the Wheeler property on one side, and Barber Lake on another, is coming forward to Lanark Highlands Council on Tuesday March 14th, 6pm at the Lanark Highlands office, 75 George Street, Lanark Village for a public meeting, as part of a zoning amendment application by Cavanagh Construction.

There are other pits in the vicinity, but there are differences with this application that have led to an organised opposition forming, and preparing to make submissions to the public meeting and perhaps to an appeal later on, whatever the outcome of the Township’s decision.

The scale of the application is one of the concerns, a 1 million tonne annual limit and a proposed 24 hour a day operating window are two of the concerns, as is the impact on not only Barber Lake, but Long Sault Creek and downstream properties as well.

The property in question was originally the Duncan Family homestead, and was purchased by Crain's Construction before being sold to Cavanagh.

There are a number of environmental reports accompanying the application, including a traffic study, two water reports and two environmental studies.

Opponents point out, however, that the impact on natural values in the area of the pit, have not been considered, nor has the impact on the water table affecting both Barber Lake and Long Sault Creek, and on drinking wells at Wheelers and other neighbouring properties.

If the zoning application is approved, the Ministry of Natural Resources will still consider an application under the aggregate resources act.

Given the changes to planning rules stemming from Bill 23, which was just passed last fall by the provincial government, it is not entirely clear how the zoning application process will play out once Council decides to grant or refuse the application. Cavanagh or the group that has sprung up to oppose the proposal, will likely appeal the decision depending on how it goes.

For further information go to https://www.lanarkhighlands.ca/lh-business/planning/the-official-plan and click on Thomas Cavanagh Construction Limited.