in Chatsworth, Grey Highlands, Southgate, West Grey
September 07, 2025
LETTER TO THE EDITOR — West Grey Council has delayed its decision on implementing an Interim Control Bylaw (ICBL) opting to consult with the province. The Saugeen Preservation Society (SPSI) has been asking since January for Council to take action to reduce the impact from the growing number of gravel mines in West Grey — most notably those along the Saugeen River, by bringing in local policies. The Town of Muskoka Lakes has had policies in its local Official Plan for 20 years that restrict gravel mines in waterfront areas.
We need made-in-West Grey policies, not made-at-Queen’s-Park policies. The province already has control over the Aggregate Resources Act. Municipal policies are intended to reflect local priorities like protecting the Saugeen River — the heart of our drinking water and our tourism-based economy, with appropriate setbacks.
The deferral until November 4th follows growing interest in West Grey’s consideration of the ICBL including statements of support, opposition, and requests for further discussion from multiple stakeholders.
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) is one of Ontario’s largest conservation organizations with over 70,000 members. They recently also voiced their strong support of West Grey implementing the ICBL, citing the Saugeen River’s ecological significance and the threats posed by nearby proposed aggregate operations.
“Aggregate extraction this close to the Saugeen River is insane,” said OFAH Director Stu Patterson.
OFAH’s statement reinforces concerns long raised by the Saugeen Preservation Society Inc. (SPSI) and local residents, who have advocated for the ICBL since January.
Industry Pushback from OSSGA
In contrast, the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA) submitted comments discouraging Council from implementing the ICBL at this time. OSSGA argued that West Grey should take a wait and see approach while Caledon's new aggregate policies are reviewed by the Ministry.
A powerful industry lobby, the OSSGA is hoping the province will deny local aggregate policies that protect the health of people living near quarries in Caledon and maintain the aggregate industry's preferential treatment.
West Grey has nothing to gain by waiting, OSSGA is only trying to stall the process for their own benefit. Community groups like SPSI play a vital role in balancing the scales that have been tipped in favour of the aggregate industry for decades. We will continue advocating for fair and responsible municipal policies that reflect local priorities, support a balanced economy (rather than an aggregate-at-all-costs economy), protect residents, the healthy longevity of the Saugeen River and the future of West Grey.
Judi Smelko,
Chairperson
Saugeen Preservation Society Inc.
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