Walker Aggregates’ Severn Quarry in the Township of Severn, Ontario, Canada, has received the Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s (OSSGA) 2021 Community Relations award, presented at OSSGA’s 2022 Conference & AGM at the end of February.
Noise, dust and traffic-calming measures make up only part of Severn Quarry’s strategy for building a strong community reputation. Other measures include supporting numerous local organizations through material and financial contributions.
In 2021, for example, the quarry provided nearly 105 tonnes of 24-in. armour stone toward the construction of the Wiidookdaadiwin Lookout in Minesing and 46 tonnes of stone to help the Washago Lions Club expand its clubhouse parking lot. Additionally, the quarry hosts two runways for use by the local model airplane club.
Severn Quarry is also known for hosting year-round community events. These include tours for various groups (e.g., Georgian College students), PLC summer barbecues, and Holiday PLC Wine and Cheese Receptions. These activities were cancelled because of COVID-19 but are set to return when it is safe to do so. Quarry updates are regularly communicated to neighbors via phone calls, a biannual newsletter and the Walker Aggregates website.
“We are so pleased to once again receive a Community Relations Award from the OSSGA for our Severn Quarry in the Township of Severn this past year, even though the global pandemic prevented us from having in-person contact with our neighbours,” says Ryan Wall, vice-president of Walker Aggregates. “We were happy to be able to make donations of cash and stone to support a variety of worthy community organizations.”
The Community Relations Award recognizes those who have demonstrated leadership in promoting good neighbor relations, community involvement, education and industry awareness.
The OSSGA Industry Recognition Awards program recognizes a wide range of activities that contribute to a progressive image of our member aggregate producers and the aggregate industry as a whole. A key goal is to raise the bar in the industry by highlighting operations that go above and beyond what is required by legislation.
“We encourage each member to strive for excellence in their operations, to be sound stewards of the lands on which they operate, and to be engaged and valued members of their community,” said Norm Cheesman, executive director of OSSGA. “All of OSSGA’s 2021 Industry Recognition Award winners have gone far above our expectations.”
A full list of winners can be found in the 2021 OSSGA Industry Recognition & Student Design Award Booklet and at www.GravelFacts.ca.