Questions asked in Candidate Survey
Municipal Elections 2026

1. Road Costs & Aggregate Levies
   Lanark Highlands spends ~$2 million/year on roads but receives ~$200,000 in aggregate levies. Aggregate truck traffic significantly increases road damage and safety risks.
   If elected, would you support the Township working with other municipalities to press the Ontario government to require aggregate fees or funding that better reflects associated municipal infrastructure costs?

2. Below-Water-Table Extraction
   Below-water aggregate extraction poses risks to groundwater, wells, wetlands, and surface water. Municipalities can no longer control whether below-water extraction is approved within their jurisdiction.
   Would you support Lanark Highlands making a formal statement to the MNR opposing below-water extraction within the Township where risks have been identified?

3. Cumulative Impact Assessments
   Ontario’s approval system does not require assessment of cumulative effects of multiple pits. Pits located in close proximity impact the same land, water, air quality, roads, and existing social and economic activities. TAPMO (Top Aggregate Producing Municipalities of Ontario) advocates for stronger municipal protections.
   Would you support working with TAPMO and other municipalities to make cumulative impact assessments a required part of Ontario’s aggregate approval process?

4. Pause on New Aggregate Applications & Official Plan Update
   Lanark Highlands has a high number of pits, and some Official Plan policies that govern new aggregate development are outdated.
   Would you support pausing new aggregate applications while updating the Official Plan and aggregate management policies?

5. Protection of Natural Heritage
   Lanark Highlands’ lakes, rivers, wetlands, forests, wildlife habitat and agricultural lands contribute to the Township’s sustainability, environmental and human health, rural character, economy, and quality of life.
   If elected, will you support strong protection of natural heritage features when evaluating development applications and municipal planning decisions?

6. Highland Line Pit Proposal
   In December 2025, Council voted to oppose the proposed Highland Line pit at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing.
   If elected, will you support the Township maintaining its formal opposition and continuing to participate in the OLT proceedings