Should a 950,000-Tonne Gravel Pit Be Approved Near Woodstock?

Official title: S.A.M.I Holdings Ltd. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Open Regulations & Permits Environment & Climate Natural Resources
S.A.M.I Holdings Ltd. wants to open a large gravel pit in South-West Oxford Township, near Woodstock. They're asking to extract up to 950,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a 40-hectare site. That's a significant operation—the pit would be above the water table, but environmental and noise studies have been submitted.

Why This Matters

Live near Innes Line in South-West Oxford? This pit could mean more truck traffic on local roads and noise from extraction equipment. If you rely on well water in the area, the hydrogeological studies matter to you. Farmers nearby should check the agricultural impact assessment.

What Could Change

If approved, a new 59.5-hectare pit could operate for years, extracting nearly a million tonnes of gravel annually. New conditions may require noise mitigation, dust control, and progressive site rehabilitation. Local roads would see increased heavy truck traffic.

Key Issues

  • Should a Class A licence be granted for a pit extracting 950,000 tonnes annually?
  • Are the environmental protections adequate for groundwater and natural heritage features?
  • What impacts will truck traffic have on local roads and residents?
  • Is the noise mitigation plan sufficient for nearby homes?

How to Participate

  1. Review the application materials at the Township of South-West Oxford Municipal Office (312915 Dereham Line, Mt. Elgin) or the County of Oxford Municipal Office (21 Reeve Street, Woodstock).
  2. Submit your comments through this consultation page on the Environmental Registry of Ontario by the deadline.
  3. Send comments directly to the applicant at samiholdingsltd@gmail.com and to the Ministry contact meghan.gerrie@ontario.ca during the 60-day consultation period.

Events

Date Event Location
December 16, 2025 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Public Information Session 524971 Curry Road, South-West Oxford, ON

Submit Your Input

Comment On The Aggregate Licence Application Draft Email

Key Documents