A proposal to build a new quarry and expand an existing sand pit in Algonquin Highlands is proving contentious. Some residents have expressed concerns but the construction company behind the proposal says complaints have been blown out of proportion.
“This is a small pit and it’s going to run out of material in the next two years,” said Eric Doetsch, co-owner of Bacher Construction Limited, which recently submitted expansion plans to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
“I just want to be able to supply this area with material. We’ve been up here for 28 years, it’s not like we’re new to the neighbourhood.”
He adds studies to date have cost him more than $40,000. The McClintock pit is six kilometres northeast of Dorset, next to Harvey Lake. It’s now two hectares. The plan is to expand it to just under 22 hectares (approximately 51 acres), and include a new quarry.
Open pits that produce building materials and stone are known as quarries. The current site does not have a quarry. Nine Harvey Lake residents found out about the proposal last week when a MNRF public notice arrived in the mail. It said the proposal is expected to cause “little to no concern” from the public, but encouraged residents to submitt comments. The letter circulated among Harvey Lake residents, who have rallied and even created a website, nomcclintockquarry.ca. Nita Acker, president of the Otter Lake Cottagers Association, said the proposal has taken people by surprise.