Burlington mayor ‘devastated’ by Mount Nemo quarry approval

The City of Burlington says it is unhappy with the Ontario Land Tribunal’s decision to approve the quarry expansion in the Mount Nemo area.

City Council says it opposes the plan due to fears about the potential environmental impacts to ground water, wildlife and those who live nearby.

A vocal group of neighbours have opposed an expansion for years along with several environmental groups. The site is on the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve.

“This is shocking, devastating for the community. This is not necessary,” Mayor Marianne Meed Ward tells CHCH News.

WATCH MORE: Flamborough residents worry quarry rehabilitation project could contaminate drinking water

“We at the city and the residents provided thousands of pages of evidence, of potential risks to the environment, to health, to air quality, water quality and we just don’t know how this happened.”

Crushed stone supplier Nelson Aggregate plans to expand the quarry west and south, adding dozens more acres to the site.

The land tribunal found the company’s plan satisfies environmental and operational concerns.

The company says the expansion is necessary to supply aggregate stone for use in Hamilton and the western GTA.

READ MORE: City of Burlington issues letter opposing Nelson Quarry expansion