Milton is set to recognize two former aggregate pit sites as part of the Niagara Escarpment’s natural heritage system.
Gail Anderson, a senior planner with the Town of Milton, explained that the Niagara Escarpment Commission redesignated the lands at 3745 Campbellville Rd. and 4000 Campbellville Rd. from mineral resource extraction to escarpment protection areas. The process, which began in 2021, involved public consultations and provincial reviews.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry approved this amendment in April 2024.
“The lands have been rehabilitated, and the licence has therefore been surrendered in order to recognize the current new use,” Anderson said at the Oct. 7 council meeting.
When asked by Coun. Colin Best about future uses of the properties, Anderson said that urban type uses would not be permitted.
“It would be natural uses,” she said, reflecting the natural heritage system designation.
On whether any potential contamination on the sites had been addressed, as raised by Mayor Gord Krantz, Anderson confirmed that the ministry has determined the rehabilitation meets provincial standards.
Following council’s approval, the Town will amend its official plan to remove the mineral extraction designation and recognize the properties as part of the escarpment’s protection and natural areas.
This update ensures compliance with provincial requirements.