WHEREAS the Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources is responsible for reviewing applications for gravel mining operations in British Columbia and for determining whether such applications should be permitted; AND WHEREAS in the opinion of the District of Peachland, the legislation and regulations governing the review of gravel mining applications would benefit from being updated to ensure that the process takes into consideration a broader range of social, environmental, safety and health impacts as well as the interests of the local government in whose area the permit is requested: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources be requested to urgently reconsider the review and approval process for the issue of gravel pit permits.
MINISTRY OF ENERGY, MINES PETROLEUM RESOURCES Gravel is an important resource that all communities need when building roads, hospitals and infrastructure projects. The appropriate development of this resource is key to our way of life and our provincial economy. Our objective is to provide a long term, affordable supply of aggregate for the Province of British Columbia, and the resolution of existing conflicts between local government and aggregate producers. The Fraser Valley Aggregate Pilot Project was launched in 2004 to develop a model for a long term provincial aggregate management plan to help resolve issues associated with aggregate mining. The report arising from the Pilot Project contained several recommendations that have been presented to the ministry and have been fully reviewed. An Okanagan Regional District Aggregate Committee has been struck to examine and deliberate over the need to secure long-term aggregate supply in the Okanagan, while providing measures to ensure community support. Its a priority to help address the issues that arise from aggregate production in and around our communities. To that end, we will be working with industry and communities to achieve agreement in how we undertake the development of new aggregate projects.