Residents protest proposed quarry outside TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley

June 20, 2024 · 0 Comments

Protest held during June 4 media conference announcing 2025 RBC Canadian Open

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Caledon residents against a proposed blasting quarry recently held a protest outside a local golf course.

On June 4, the Forks of the Credit Preservation Group (FCPG) organized a protest in Alton outside TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, which was hosting a media conference to announce that the 2025 RBC Canadian Open would be held there.

Chris Humeniuk is president of Pro-M Capital Partners Inc., the parent company of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley of which Humeniuk is also president.

FCPG president David Sylvester said Humeniuk-controlled companies have leased 400 acres of land to CBM Aggregates/St. Marys Cement (owned by Brazilian company Votorantim Cimentos), which would be used for the proposed blasting quarry.

Humeniuk said he was disappointed to see protesters outside of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on the day of the media conference.

“Osprey Valley is not party to the quarry application in any way,” said Humeniuk.

The quarry in question would be about 800 acres in size and built south of Alton.

An FCPG statement said the proposed blasting quarry would cause 600 acres of prime agricultural land to be lost, require 60,000 trees to be clear cut, negatively impact at-risk species and water quality in the Credit River, and result in increased traffic, dust, and noise for local residents.

Humeniuk said in the weeks before the protest, he’d been in contact with the FCPG.

“It is important to remember that CBM’s application will be subject to a rigorous, scientific review process by government. As a proud and active member of our community, I was pleased to assist FCPG’s consultants (in securing) onsite access during the formal review. These actions go above and beyond what is required to ensure this process is completed transparently and with the participation of local stakeholders,” said Humeniuk. “Our businesses have more invested in this community’s success and vibrancy than anyone…”

Sylvester said the proposed blasting quarry would run six days a week, 52 weeks a year, for the next 50 years, and excavate well below the water table. He said while aggregate is an essential component for the construction industry, there’s currently 13 times more aggregate licensed for extraction per year in Ontario than is needed.

Sylvester said the FCPG is asking Golf Canada and RBC to reconsider hosting the 2025 Canadian Open at Osprey Valley.

Sylvester said while it’s unlikely the decision to host the 2025 tournament at Osprey Valley will actually be reversed, he hopes in subsequent years event sponsors will consider what the FCPG has brought forward.