MNR's Role

The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) is responsible for the management of aggregate resources in the province. MNR’s planning mandate is to protect mineral aggregate resources and ensure the continued availability of these resources as close to markets as possible.

Role of Policy Staff in MNR’s Natural Resource Management Division

• review, develop and implement policies, procedures and legislative changes governing the management of aggregate resources within the province of Ontario;
  provide direction and interpretation to field staff, industry, municipalities, government agencies, consultants, the public and senior management within MNR;
• provide education and training to MNR staff, industry, stakeholders and other ministries, boards and agencies; and
• liaise with other provincial and federal jurisdictions with respect to aggregate resource management.

Role of Staff in MNR’s Field Services Division

Aggregate Inspectors

• process applications for licences, permits, transfers, site plan amendments, etc. and issue related documents;
• conduct inspections and audits of aggregate operations to ensure that licensees and permittees are in compliance with the Aggregate Resources Act and the site plan, and that rehabilitation is being carried out;
• enforce offences under the Aggregate Resources Act (e.g., suspension notices, rehabilitation orders, revocations);
• participate in hearings related to the Aggregate Resources Act (Ontario Municipal Board for private land or Mining and Lands Commission for Crown land); and
• administer other aspects of the aggregate program (e.g. complaint resolution, education and training, participation in municipal land-use planning).

Conservation Officers

• carry out investigations and prosecutions of offences under the Act, in conjunction with aggregate inspectors

Planners

• participate in the municipal planning process through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to ensure that aggregate resources are protected and made available.

Biologists, Ecologists, Foresters

• review applications and amendments with respect to the protection of natural heritage features, and ensure that adverse impacts of aggregate operations on the environment are minimized.