Why Flamborough

St Marys decision to invest in this site came after considerable research of publicly available resource plans and zoning classifications. Aggregate extraction is an approved and recognized land use according to the Greenbelt Plan. Pits and quarries are compatible with the Greenbelt's goals and objectives and create sustainable assets for future generations through rehabilitation.

Close to Market

Quarries need to be located where high quality aggregates are accessible and where they are close to the demand. The availability of aggregates close to market is important for both economic and environmental reasons.

Economic

Ontario consumes an average of 170 million tonnes of aggregate annually and the projected consumption for the next 25 years is 4 billion tonnes of aggregate. The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe anticipates an additional 3.7 million people by 2031.

Based on this expected demand, existing licensed reserves will be exhausted within the next decade.

There has not been a new quarry developed in the GTA and immediate vicinity in 35 years but yet aggregate prices have been rising 10 - 15 % each year since 2000. We need new licences in and close to the GTA West to replace depleting supply.

As the population grows, more demand is put on the aggregate industry, for new schools, roads and other infrastructure. The aggregate industry will need to work harder to meet the demand of our growing communities.

Environmental

It is important to note that every extra kilometre of roadway that is added to the average GTA haul increases greenhouse gases by 3,500 tonnes and consumes an additional 2 million litres of fossil fuel. By making aggregate available close to growing markets in Ontario, it will help reduce harmful emissions.

Source: Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. www.apao.com/publications.htm