The extraction of aggregate (sand, gravel and crushed stone) in urban landscapes present challenges related to hydrogeology, ecology, land use and environmental impacts (noise, dust and truck traffic). The City of Brampton and the aggregate producers have faced the challenges created by urban extraction a succeeded in creating some outstanding rehabilitated sites.
Aggregate extraction is an interim land sue. Because the deposit was an esker, the City of Brampton has been able to create ecological linkages between sites and create a linked trail system. The land is borrowed for extractive use and returned to parkland and residential areas. The green spaces created are of value to all the residents of the area.
Fourteen sand and gravel operations have been identified in the City of Brampton and ten of these have been fully rehabilitated. Specific rehabilitation of these ten sites are described. Sand and gravel has been extracted since the turn of the century in Brampton and will continue in the year 2000 at the one remaining license site, Franceschini Bros. Aggregates Ltd.
Other municipalities with large numbers or growing numbers of aggregate operations can learn by studying what has occurred in the City of Brampton.