|
August 4, 1999
Peter Prust
Bloom Maker Soils Inc.
R.R. 1
Cannington, On. L0E 1E0
Dear Mr. Prust:
RE: Proposed Peat Extraction - Wilfrid Bog
Location: Part Lot 7, Concession 11
Municipality: Township of Brock
File: 4.2.17.1
It has come to our attention that peat extraction
is being considered by your company for the above-noted property. The
Wilfrid Bog is an extremely significant natural feature with many
plants and ecological conditions that are uncommon in this part of
the province. Peat extraction and forest clearing would not be
considered compatible with the long term health and sustainablity of
this natural system.
A proposal to extract peat would require an
amendment to the Durham Regional Official Plan. Policy 19B.3.2 of the
Durham Plan states, in part, that:
"No new Peat Resource Extraction Areas
for the removal or disturbance of peat, and no expansion to an
existing peat operation shall be permitted beyond the applicable
Resource Extraction Area identified on Map 'A' and described on
Schedule 8 other than by amendment to this Plan and the appropriate By-laws."
Further, Policy 19B.3.1 states, in part, that:
"Where an application for the removal or
disturbance of peat is located in proximity of an Environmentally
Sensitive Area identified on Map 'A', the applicant shall address the
relevant policies respecting the environment and specifically Section 2.3.17."
Our Legal Department has also provided advice
that peat extraction is not exempt from the policies of the Durham
Plan and is within the purview of Section 16 of the Planning Act,
which states:
"An Official Plan shall contain goals,
objectives and policies established primarily to manage and direct physical
change and the effects on the social, economic and natural
environment of the municipality or part of it."
If your opinion is otherwise, please provide
justification and we will give it appropriate consideration.
Yours truly,
Jim Blair, M.C.I.P., R.P.P.
Director
Current Operations Branch |
