PERMIT & LICENCE HOLDERS
WHAT ARE DESIGNATED AREAS?
An “aggregate designated area” is an area designated under the Aggregate Resources Act where aggregate extraction on private land cannot proceed without a license.
By law, all aggregate operations must be licensed (on private land) or permitted (on Crown land).
The Ministry of Natural Resources regulates pits and quarries:
- oversees the rules governing aggregate management
- issues licences, permits and changes to existing approvals
- inspects aggregate operations and responds to complaints
- enforces compliance
- ensures rehabilitation is carried out on sites
Most of Ontario’s pits and quarries are regulated under the Aggregate Resources Act.
To view the History of Designated Areas click here.
*Some areas of private land are not covered by the Act. In these areas, the local municipality may regulate pit and quarry operations.
**Some areas of private land in southern Ontario are adjacent to Crown land. The map does not provide this level of detail.