Quarry wins Hastings County approval

The proposed expansion of a quarry in Madoc Township is another step closer to reality.

The approval came at the Hastings County Council meeting on Thursday, on the heels of objections by residents of the area.

Council has amended the County’s Official Plan in favour of the project.

The Upper Canada Stone Company has eight quarries and a processing plant in the Madoc area.

The company was seeking an amendment to the official plan to allow an expansion of its property Mochas Quarry.

Area resident David Reid told council some residents object to the noise levels.

“Some neighbours have reported levels of over 60 decibels who even live closer to me and on many days this noise penetrates even into our residences.”

Reid continued, “County of Hastings Planning has a site plan in front of them that is inadequate to control the noise in our community and make no attempt at addressing this. The MOE is aware of these noise complaints as well.”

“And as of my last correspondence with them they are planning on visiting the site sometime later this year in relation to rock crushing activities and compliance.”

Reid said, “The provincial Ministry of the Environment has stated they are not responsible for enforcing the noise at our front doors or penetrating into our dwelling. They are responsible to only enforce the site plan. The ministry is planning to visit the site regarding the rock crushing activity later this year.”

Centre Hastings Mayor Tom Deline noted that residents’ concerns could be addressed through the township’s zoning process.

Referring to the delegation by Reid, Bancroft Mayor Paul Jenkins said, “I’m feeling a little uncomfortable, needing some clarification on some of those points.”

Mayor Jenkins also wanted Planning Director Justin Harrow to have time to deliver a further report at a future planning committee meeting.

Council did not act on the mayor’s requests, and the expansion was approved.