Saving Ed Lake: The Cost of Aggregate Extraction

Since 2018, CBM Aggregates, a division of St Marys Cement Inc. (Canada), has been investigating Ed Lake Farm in Aberfoyle as a potential gravel pit location. They have recently submitted an application for a new Class “A” license (Pit Below Water) under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) on this land.

Ed Lake is a 200 acre farm with 100 acres of Class 2 and 3 soils, surrounded by 100 acres of wetlands, forests, creeks and streams. Beyond its boundaries are 1,500 acres of wetlands composing the Mill Creek Wetland Complex. These lands provide a critical greenspace for neighbouring urban communities, and a habitat for thousands of terrestrial, aquatic and avian species.

Aggregate extraction can cause significant negative impacts to lives and the environment, like destroying woodlands, grasslands, wetlands or farmland.They pose a risk to local groundwater resources, and can cause serious health impacts from air pollution and heavy truck traffic. Because CBM Aggregates is calling for a pit below the water table the area cannot be rehabilitated and will be lost forever. 

Instead of permanent farmland loss caused by aggregate extraction, this quality farmland could support entry-level new and young farmers to start small-scale agricultural business and bolster the local food system, generating renewable benefits to the regional economy.

Mill Creek Stewards Association is a grassroots organization opposing the gravel pit. Check out their website here to learn more and sign the petition to save Ed Lake Farm.