New updated content: 2024-12-19 12:45:53

An application has been made by Cavanagh to establish a new quarry in what was once part of the Goulbourn Provincially Significant Wetland. Of the three wetlands on the property, one was found upon a prior appeal to the OLT as being not significant, another was re-assessed as not significant under the new OWES process introduced in 2023 (de-complexing) and the last one was found to be part of the Goulbourn complex and thus retains its provincially significant designation. Some of the forested areas on the property were found to be significant woodlands and will also be retained. For these elements of the Natural Heritage System, it seems that the Official Plan protection policies are being applied. There will be no negative impacts on significant natural features located on or adjacent to the proposed extraction area. Progressive rehabilitation will be undertaken to restore 35.5 ha of upland forest communities and 19.5 ha of wetlands, as well as 9.0 ha of thickets in transition areas between uplands, meadows and wetlands. These areas exceed the areas to be removed for the development of the Stittsville Quarry II and will result in improved ecological functions once rehabilitation is complete.