The majority of the Greater Toronto Area aggregate production comes from the Niagara Escarpment Plan Area or the Oak Ridges Moraine. Both of these areas are highly regarded for their environmental and recreational values. Planning for the continuing supply of essential non-renewable aggregate resources must be sensitive to the environmental and recreational attributes of these close to market supply areas. Ecologically orientated rehabilitation plans are an important component of this planning exercise. Well planned extraction in conjunction with good progressive rehabilitation can provide opportunities for ecological enhancement and community benefits.
The paper will outline some of the general trends affecting aggregate resource planning and highlight recent projects which emphasize ecological restoration and community benefits.