Ontario Construction News staff writer
Walker Industries is proposing a new quarry in rural Niagara Falls to meet demand fuelled by fast-paced growth in the Niagara Region.
The proposed Upper’s Lane Quarry would supply high-quality limestone aggregates for critical infrastructure, construction and community development projects across the region, the company says in a statement.
The quarry would be developed on a 266-acre piece of land owned by Walker between Thorold Townline Road and Beechwood Road, south of Beaverdams Road.
“There will be many opportunities for residents and community stakeholders to gather information about the project and have a say in how it’s developed over the coming months,” says Ken Lucyshyn, executive vice-president of aggregates and construction for Walker Industries. “We want to create a quarry that works for everyone.”
Walker hasn’t yet started the formal application process to gain the required approvals for the quarry. However, the company says it has voluntarily begun a consultation process with the local community and surrounding property owners.
Public information sessions were held on Nov. 27 and 28 for residents living near the proposed quarry. These sessions were intended to identify community concerns early in the planning process so they can be addressed as the proposal moves forward. Additional public information sessions will be held.
More information is available at uppersquarry.ca.
The proposed quarry has an estimated capacity for 30 to 50 years and all stone from the site would be used for local infrastructure and construction projects.
It is estimated that approximately 65 per cent of aggregates in Ontario are used in public sector infrastructure projects paid for with tax dollars.
Walker operates 12 aggregate quarries across Ontario, including four in Niagara.