November 14, 2025: Significant update on the Highland Line Pit

“The applicant has pre-empted Lanark Highlands’ scheduled November 25 vote and has triggered the Ontario Land Tribunal process”

Dear Friends,

We want to provide you with an update regarding a significant development with the Highland Line Pit Proposal.

We have learned that on Friday, November 7, an appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal was filed by the applicant with both Lanark Highlands Township and Lanark County for non-decision on the Highland Line pit proposal.  

Following the public meeting on September 11, the Township had scheduled the Highland Line pit proposal to be discussed at the Committee of the Whole meeting on October 14.  The Township updated the community on October 9 that the applicant would be providing additional information and the Planner’s final report would be presented to the Committee of the Whole on November 25 for discussion, and proceed to Council for a final decision on December 9.  

By appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal at this point, the applicant has taken the decision out of the hands of the municipality.  It will no longer be discussed or voted on at a Township meeting. 

Friends of Lanark Highlands has been discussing this new development with our lawyer and considering the community’s best strategy as we move into the OLT process.

We expect that the Township will provide an update in the near future to all of the individuals who have asked to be kept informed on this file.  

Thank you to everyone who has written letters to the Township and County. They will be included in the Appeal Record that will be filed by the Township and County with the Ontario Land Tribunal. This includes all relevant materials and documentation related to the application and municipal process to date. 

We will share further updates as we receive information and as the process unfolds. We will also be discussing this development at our Annual General Meeting on November 21, at 6:30 pm at the McDonalds Corners Agricultural Hall. This meeting is open to all members of Friends of Lanark Highlands.

Thank you for your continued support.