Parties concerned about a property development near Spragge met in an on-line hearing with the Ontario Land Tribunal.
The issues is whether to allow an appeal of the bylaw by the Township of the North Shore granting permission for Darien Aggregates Limited to operate a gravel pit on Crown Land near Spragge.
The environmental group North Shore Environmental Resources Advocates Incorporated is fighting the move advocating the land near Lake Lauzon should be protected since it is a habitat for Blanding’s turtle, a species designated as threatened.
Their legal counsel stated to the tribunal only the Ministry of Natural Resources can rule on requests for licensing a gravel pit on Crown Land, not a municipality.
It was also noted the municipal law allows no objections to a permit application, and the public has no part in the hearing process.
The tribunal is expected to render a decision by early summer.