A: According to input from experts who have assessed all of the merits of our case, we believe Ramara Legacy Alliance's (RLA’s) cost of a successful Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) defence to be in the range of $100-$200k. This includes the cost of hiring legal counsel as well as expert advisers (who may be required to testify during the LPAT process) in the areas of hydrogeology, biology, blasting, flyrock, silica dust, planning, and environmental impact. While there are examples of other municipalities and/or citizen groups that have spent upwards of $1M defending LPAT appeals by aggregate companies, our experts believe our case is much stronger (owing to the support of township council and the proximity of the quarry to Lake Couchiching) and will not cost nearly as much.
A: Based on advice from legal counsel and the overwhelming support of Ramara Council on the rezoning application, RLA absolutely believes we can win this battle, as other communities have. But winning will take commitment and money on the part of the township and the residents of Ramara.
A: The current quarry has a projected lifespan of approximately 10-15 years. If Fowler’s applications to expand the existing quarry and create a new quarry pit are approved, the lifespan of the quarry is expected to increase to approximately 70-80 years. However Fowler owns hundreds of additional acres of land surrounding the existing quarry. Should the current applications succeed, Fowler will have the green light to expand further into the surrounding wetlands for hundreds of years.