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Archeological site delays plans for expanded gravel pit in Penetanguishene

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In Council Watch
Jul 30th, 2014
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Larger buffer zone needed to protect Late Woodland-era village site

By Jenni Dunning Midland Mirror

PENETANGUISHENE – A rezoning request in Penetanguishene is on hold after it was discovered an archeological site on the land was larger than first thought.

It has also raised concerns from the Huronia chapter of the Ontario Archaeological Society, with its president saying these sites are typically a priority “somewhere lower than a pothole.”

Council had been scheduled to vote July 23 on whether to allow rezoning of a gravel pit owned by Triple C Investments Inc. Council was considering a request to expand the pit at 905 Fuller Ave. to 18.7 hectares from 8.3 hectares. The entire property is 42 hectares.

If the expansion goes ahead, the pit would generate a maximum of 100,000 tonnes per year of aggregate, such as sand, gravel, topsoil and concrete. This is up from the current 20,000 a year, according to a report.

However, council sent the proposal back to staff after a consultant noted a village site from the Late Woodland era (500-1,000 years ago) would need a larger barrier around it than an initial study suggested.

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