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<H1><!--SS_BEGIN_ELEMENT(Content_title_region_element)-->Message from the
Minister regarding the Highland Companies' Melancthon Quarry application<!--SS_END_ELEMENT(Content_title_region_element)--></H1><!--SS_BEGIN_ELEMENT(Content_subtitle_region_element)--><!--SS_END_ELEMENT(Content_subtitle_region_element)--><!-- Tertiary Links --><!-- END Tertiary Links -->
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<P>Over the past few weeks, my Ministry has heard a significant number of
concerns regarding the length of the comment period for the Highland Companies'
Melancthon Quarry application. I want to reassure the public and especially the
residents of the Township of Melancthon that this is only the beginning of the
licence application process.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>On April 21, 2011 I indicated in the Legislature that I intended to consider
comments outside the official <EM>Aggregate Resources Act</EM> objection period.
To that end, I have extended the comment period for the Environmental Registry
posting under the Environmental Bill of Rights for an additional 76 days. This
will result in a total posting period of 122 days.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>I invite any member of the public, as well as interested and affected
agencies and stakeholders, to provide comments through the <A
href="http://www.ebr.gov.on.ca/ERS-WEB-External/displaynoticecontent.do?noticeId=MTEyNTY2&statusId=MTY4ODI5&language=en"
jQuery1310417037449="3">Registry</A> -- the posting is listed under Registry
Number: 011-2864. Comments on the Environmental Registry will be accepted until
July 11, 2011, after which date the comment period will be closed. This two and
a half month extension for the posting will provide an enhanced opportunity for
all interested parties to <A
href="http://www.highlandcompanies.ca/index.php/companies/melancthonquarry/technical_studies/"
target=_blank>review the proposal</A>.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Individuals and agencies commenting through the Environmental Registry should
be aware that these comments are not official objections under the <EM>Aggregate
Resources Act</EM>. That means that these comments will be considered as part of
the decision-making process rather than being directed to the applicant for
resolution.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>The Highland Companies now has two years to address and resolve all the
official objections submitted during the 45-day objection period. This process
ensures that all environmental and community concerns are fully addressed before
the application can move forward.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>If there are still unresolved objections to the licence application after the
two year period, the Ministry of Natural Resources can refer the application to
the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). In the event of an OMB hearing, the Ministry
will ensure that the comments received through the Environmental Registry are
provided to the OMB for its consideration.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>I recognize the ongoing concern the local community has expressed about this
proposed quarry and acknowledge the significant number of responses received so
far regarding this application. I remain committed to ensuring an open and
transparent process surrounding this application and look forward to any further
comments provided through the Registry.</P>
<P> </P>
<P>Linda Jeffrey,<BR>Minister of Natural Resources</P>
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