ONTARIO-Crosstown Construction Inc. operated out of Barry’s Bay was convicted of operating an aggregate pit without the authority of a licence and was fined $150,000, plus the victim fine surcharge, for a total fine of $187,500.
The court heard that between February 28, 2020 and December 14, 2022, the company operated a pit by excavating sand and gravel from adjacent properties that it controlled at 18993 and 19300 Highway 60 in Barry’s Bay. The sand and gravel were excavated using heavy equipment, loaded onto trucks and delivered to various clients. In excess of ten thousand tonnes of aggregate was removed from the site. No licence was issued under the Aggregate Resources Act for the operation of this pit according to the Ministry.
Aggregate inspectors with the Ministry of Natural Resources inspected the pit and discovered the violations. During the investigation, conservation officers conducted surveillance of the property, took statements from the company’s employees, utilized Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) technology and executed several search warrants to seize evidence of the violations.
In Ontario, the Aggregate Resources Act applies to all provincial Crown land and all private land designated under the Act and requires a licence or permit to operate a pit or quarry to remove aggregate resources, such as sand and gravel.
Justice of the Peace Jennifer Grant heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Pembroke, on January 6, 2025.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrtips.
