Support for Jones’ aggregate bill growing

August 17, 2013 · 0 Comments

Support the Aggregate Recycling Promotion Act, continues to grow, according to Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones.
This is a private member’s bill, known as Bill 56, that Jones has introduced.
“What I’m increasingly seeing is, the more the word gets out and the more people learn about Bill 56 and what it can accomplish, the more support for the bill grows,” she said.
If enacted, Bill 56 would allow contractors to use recycled aggregate when bidding on construction projects paid for with public money. Jones believes the legislation would be an effective measure to encourage aggregate recycling in Ontario by eliminating barriers to recycled aggregates being considered for use in public sector construction across the province.
“Bill 56 is a substantial, actual legislative step in the right direction when it comes to aggregate recycling in Ontario,” Jones continued. “There are literally millions of tonnes of recycled aggregates sitting in stockpiles across Ontario right now, with more accumulating every day. Now is the time to start promoting aggregate recycling, and I’m proud to see support for Bill 56 continue to grow.”
Recently Bill 56 received the support of Melancthon Township Mayor Bill Hill and the Ontario Road Builders Association.
“This Bill will help preserve resources and reduce the need for prime agriculture land to be turned into a quarry,” Hill said.
“Engineering and technology advances in the development and application of recycled materials in road construction results in high quality products that meet or exceed specifications while preserving non-renewable resources,” said Ontario Road Builders’ Association Executive Director Geoff Wilkinson. “Bill 56 takes an important step forward to get municipalities and other public sector bodies to consider the use of recycled materials in construction projects.”
Jones confirmed that she intends to call Bill 56 forward for second reading in September, once the Legislature resumes sitting.
“When Bill 56 is called for second reading in September, I sincerely hope all three parties will support Bill 56 and vote it through to committee so that we can move forward with the important work of promoting aggregate recycling in Ontario,” Jones commented.