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Community Relations Award Winners

Member firms of the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA) have been recognized for their community relations efforts since 2001. Being a good neighbour is just as much a part of an aggregate operation as processing and rehabilitation. The Community Relations Award is presented to companies that demonstrate and earn respect with the citizens in close proximity to their operations. The Community Relations Award is based on four criteria:

  • Being a Good Neighbour
  • Community Involvement
  • Media Relations
  • Community Education

Click on any of the locations below to read more about the 2015 Community Relations Award winners.

  • Capital Paving Inc., Wellington Pit, Township of Puslinch
    • Wellington Pit's commitment to building community relations begins on its 100-acre site where a dust mitigation policy, noise control measures and safety intiatives keep the company in solid standing with neighbours.  Strong communication programs, their support of the new Heavy Equipment Operator program with Conestoga College and their Miles for Memories walk/run event which has raised $110,000 for Alzheimer's research to-date are all reasons this company is an OSSGA Community Relations Award winner.
  • Dufferin Aggregates, A Division of CRH Canada Group Inc., Acton Quarry, Town of Halton Hills 
    • Back-up beacons, rubber screening and noise barriers keep disturbances at a minimum, while dust mitigation programs, proactive traffic measures and blast monitoring further ensure community relations.  Acton Quarry also plays a large role in the community organizing a tree planting event with Scouts Canada, hosting an annual open house and assisting the Darling Home for Kids with clean up.  Its Community Advisory Panel allows the local community to be involved in its operation.
  • Dufferin Aggregates, A Division of CRH Canada Group Inc., Milton Quarry
    • 
No stone is left unturned when it comes to neighbourly relations.  It demonstrates stewardship in water usage by working with stakeholders from the provincial government, the Niagara Escarpment Commission, Halton Region, Conservation Halton and the Bruce Trail Conservancy.  It holds onside tours, an annual tree planting program and educational programs with local students.  Staff volunteer at events like the Townline Road Clean Up and the Darling Home for Kids Clean Up. The quarry donates materials to local groups and contributes financially to sports teams and coordinates the Ready-Mix Drum Sponsorship Program for Halton Healthcare Services, raising nearly $100,000 each year.
  • Lafarge Canada Inc. - A Member of LafargeHolcim, Hagersville Quarry, Haldimand County
    • Staff at Lafarge Canada’s Hagersville Quarry volunteer to assemble beds for the Brantford Homeless Shelter, offer support for a local Christmas free skate event, plant trees with Boy Scouts and sponsor events like Youth Barrel Riding. At the Hagersville Quarry site, noise control, dust mitigation and blast monitoring minimize the impact of the operation on local residents. As well, Lafarge and Hagersville Quarry demonstrate an unwavering commitment to safety, holding safety demonstrations and public awareness campaigns throughout the year. Site safety is prioritized with extensive driver training, regular vehicle maintenance and ample road signage.
  • Walker Industries - Walker Aggregates Inc., Duntroon Quarry, Duntroon
    • The secret to Duntroon Quarry’s community relations’ success is its focus on treating neighbours like partners. The quarry’s Public Liaison Committee meets at least four times a year, and its Neighbourhood Picnic & Barbecue and Holiday Wine & Cheese Reception keep community members in constant contact. Duntroon Quarry is a regular at local events, sponsors community clubs and sports teams, and donates resources and money to initiatives like the Bruce Trail Club. Onsite, water trucks mitigate dust, retired police officers monitor traffic speeds, and an environmental closure further reduces noise and dust. Quarry staff also maintain a blast monitoring system and publish a Stone Views newsletter.
  • Walker Industries - Walker Aggregates Inc., McGregor Quarry, Town of Amherstburg
    • Being a good neighbour is important for Walker Aggregates’ McGregor Quarry. Operational disruptions are kept at a minimum through blast monitoring, complaint and feedback systems, and vegetated berms and screens placed along the quarry’s road boundaries. Dust is controlled with consistent watering, processing plant improvements and a dust management plan. Safety measures are also implemented, including visible rules and regulations signs, safety notifications, Walkers’ safe loading program and ongoing staff training. Offsite, Walker invests in its local community. It donates $5,000 to the Windsor-Essex food bank, sponsors the summer Ribfest, and hosts a community barbecue. These and other outreach efforts are communicated via the company’s BorderStones semi-annual newsletter and the Walker Aggregates website.
  • Walker Industries - Walker Aggregates Inc., Severn Pines Quarry, Township of Severn
    • Walker Aggregates’ community commitment is alive and well at Severn Pines Quarry. Year-round open houses, barbecues, and Public Liaison Committee meetings keep the quarry in touch with neighbours. Staff are familiar faces in the Orillia/Stayner and Creemore Santa Claus Parades, and they help keep their community clean though garbage pick-ups and the local “adopt-a-road” program. Onsite, an upgraded water truck controls dust, while newly installed covers at the primary screens lower both noise and dust. A comprehensive blast monitoring system is in place and a retired police officer is employed to monitor the speed and noise of truck traffic. These initiatives are communicated at quarry events and through a Stepping Stones newsletter.
  • Walker Industries - Walker Aggregates Inc., Vineland Quarries & Crushed Stone, Town of Lincoln
    • Walker Aggregates’ Vineland Quarries & Crushed Stone recently went above and beyond its regular noise and dust mitigation practices by building an enclosure over its Megadome and installing misting fans and a Monsoon Air Mister to control dust. Vineland Quarries also invested in extra tarps for its stockpiles and a weather station to monitor wind speed and direction in order to notify staff of changes that could affect dust distribution. Employee and visitor safety is prioritized with extensive signage and safety awareness initiatives. Vineland Quarries’ affinity for forging neighbour relations is evident in its many community outreach efforts. These include the company’s annual Earth Day Cleanup and its participation in the local Habitat for Humanity build.
  • Walker Industries - Walker Aggregates Inc., Walker Brothers Quarries, Town of Stamford (Niagara Falls)
    • Walker Brothers Quarries enjoys a sterling reputation within its community thanks to an ongoing focus on site improvements, operational excellence and community outreach. The site ensures its operations have little impact on those around them by controlling dust and noise with berms, water trucks and conveyor hoods. Additionally, it promotes site safety with rigorous traffic enforcement and signage. On the community front, the quarry hosts holiday parties, donates stone for local projects, works with students to raise industry awareness, and recently took part in Niagara’s first-ever Habitat for Humanity build. Updates on activities are conveyed through Walker Industries’ Walkways newsletter and its website.
  • Waterford Sand & Gravel Ltd., Vinemount Quarry, Stoney Creek
    • Waterford Sand & Gravel makes neighbour relations a priority. Ongoing repairs to major roads have optimized site safety, while noise mitigation efforts minimize disturbances. The quarry’s continuous watering and sweeping program helps lower dust emissions, and neighbours are kept abreast on operations and plans with site tours, flyers and events. Vinemount Quarry recently donated material to the Hamilton Conservation Authority for local trail improvements, and paired with the Hamilton Naturalists Club to donate $20,000 in services and materials for the newly-opened Vinemount Meadows Sanctuary. The 16-hectare area north of the quarry is now home to a large number of unique bird species.