Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris has replied to Mayor Steve Ferguson’s mid-December request that community concerns be addressed ahead of any site plan approvals, and assured the Mayor that a site plan will be required for new work at the site.

At issue was a missing site plan agreement from the time when the late John Leavitt owned and operated the pit. In his response to the Mayor, Minister Harris confirmed the current licensee does not have a site plan. The new owner was unable to obtain a copy from the former licensee when he obtained the property.

The MNR has also been unable to locate a site plan.

“Prior to the licence being transferred to Ellbrook in 2023, the former licensee had not extracted for many years,” the Minister responded. “The ministry has advised the licensee that no extraction can occur until a site plan is re-established.”

The Minister will inform the County of any developments at Ellbrook Pit #2907 on Ridge Road.

The ministry met with Ellbrook in the Fall of 2025 to discuss the issue of the missing site plan. Four options were discussed: Submit a site plan for above-water extraction for the ministry to review; Submit a site plan for below-water extraction for the ministry to review; Maintain the license but don’t extract; or surrender the license. 

Minister Harris reports Ellbrook is considering its options and the Ministry awaits its decision without a set deadline.

“If a new site plan is submitted for review, we will assess the appropriate classification to ensure environmental, regulatory and community protections are upheld,” the Minister said.  “This process may include a consultation component.”

In his request to Minister Harris, Mayor Ferguson posited resumption of operations should be treated as a significant alteration to the existing license. He said residents have requested the County advocate for a public consultation process and to ensure environmental and source water protection considerations are fully addressed.

The Mayor said the County is committed to working with MNRF to ensure that community concerns, environmental protections, and regulatory requirements are addressed before any extraction activities resume at the pit.

“We welcome the opportunity to meet with Ministry staff to discuss this matter further and to ensure that the County’s perspective, along with the concerns of our residents, are fully considered in the process ahead.”