Walker Aggregates’ Severn Quarry has been honoured with the Community Relations Award from the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA) for its commitment to community engagement and responsible quarry operations. The award recognizes leadership in promoting good neighbour relations, community involvement, education, and industry awareness.

Severn Quarry is dedicated to maintaining strong Kes with the local community through transparent operations and active engagement. The site contributes to charitable causes like the United Way and Soldiers Memorial Hospital and hosts educational tours for students. A biannual newsletter and new website further ensure transparency and communication with the community.

“It is an honour to be recognized by the industry for our commitment to the communities in which we live and work. Our mission at Walker is to support communities through what we do, how we do it, and by caring about our people, our neighbours and the environment,” says Ela Walsh, Marketing Manager, Aggregates & Construction. “We are committed through a variety of touch points to stay connected with our neighbours to keep them well-informed of our operations and rehabilitation efforts. This gives us the opportunity to hear feedback firsthand, and shapes how we collectively work towards building a sustainable future, together as we proudly have for 138 years.”

Severn Quarry minimizes noise and dust through proactive mitigation measures and maintains strong relationships with local residents. Blasts are monitored, and blast depth was reduced in 2024 to lessen impact. Berms and covers minimize noise, while weekend crushing and shipping are limited. Dust is controlled by regular watering, a new water truck, and updated dust collectors. Traffic is monitored by a retired officer, with speed signs and no-truck zones in place. Neighbours are personally notified before blasts, and complaints are tracked.

“OSSGA remains committed to fostering excellence among its members by promoting efficient operations, responsible land stewardship, and strong community engagement,” says Mike McSweeney, Executive Director of OSSGA. “The 2024 Industry Recognition Award winners have exemplified these core values, and we look forward to their continued leadership in the year ahead.”

GIP Aggregates Inc. McCarthy Quarry was awarded the 2023 Community Relations Award from the Ontario Stone, Sand, and Gravel Association (OSSGA). The award recognizes leadership in promoting good neighbour relations, community involvement, education, and industry awareness.

McCarthy Quarry has once again earned a Community Relations Award for its continued efforts to reduce the impact of its operations on its many neighbours. This includes working constantly to improve onsite operations and taking preventative steps to reduce the noise and dust levels. The company also keeps its neighbours notified of its blasting schedule and has measures in place to promote traffic safety. Its Community Liaison Committee strives to maintain an open dialogue with the community and address any feedback, concerns or questions that may arise during operations.

“When it comes to being a good neighbour, we’re all-in. At Green Infrastructure Partners, we play a leading role in building communities that last.” says COO John Pontarollo. “We work hard every day to be more sustainable and improve the world around us. So, to win four awards for Community Relations, Property Enhancement, and Environmental Achievement is truly special, and speaks volumes about our commitment to doing the right things in the right way. Thanks to all the OSSGA team for these prestigious awards.”

The Quarry also participates in local affairs such as the Trent Matters newsletter, sponsoring local youth hockey teams, the Ramara Chamber of Commerce, and charity events like the Annual Food for the Poor Golf Tournament.

“OSSGA is dedicated to cultivating excellence within its membership, advocating for efficient operational management, responsible land stewardship, and robust community engagement,” says Mike McSweeney, executive director of OSSGA. “The 2023 Industry Recognition Award winners have demonstrated outstanding commitment to these fundamental objectives, and we look forward to seeing this continue in the year ahead.”

OSSGA is a non-profit industry association representing over 280 sand, gravel and crushed stone producers and suppliers of valuable industry products and services. Collectively, our members produce a large majority of the approximately 175 million tonnes of aggregate consumed annually on average in the province to build and maintain Ontario’s infrastructure needs. OSSGA works in partnership with the government and public to promote a safe and competitive aggregate industry contributing to the creation of strong communities in the province.