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 2007 Community Relations Award winners.

• CBM Aggregates, Aberfoyle Area Pits, Puslinch
  • The Aberfoyle Area Pits continue to maintain a positive community profile by reducing noise and dust impacts on surrounding neighbours. Aberfoyle operations are surrounded by extensive vegetated berms and tree screens, and all of their loaders are equipped with strobe reverse lights to further minimize noise levels. The operation believes in being active in the community to promote positive public relations. The pits have contributed extensively to many community events and efforts, including charity fundraisers and outdoor education programs.
• Dufferin Aggregates, Aberfoyle and Mill Creek Pits, Puslinch
  • The Aberfoyle and Mill Creek Pits continue to make great strides in terms of support and contributions to many local charities, events and community organizations including, the Mill Creek Stewardship Ranger Program which hires high school students to assist in Mill Creek rehabilitation projects. Dufferin consistently receives positive feedback for its donation and service efforts. Notable events in 2007 included more than 45 tours/site visits at local pits and quarries, and a new advertising campaign that focuses on communicating the company's social and environmental key messaging.
• Dufferin Aggregates, Acton Quarry, Halton Hills
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Dufferin Aggregates has extensive traffic, dust and noise monitoring programs set up at each of its operations, including the Acton Quarry. Blasts, for example, are monitored for ground and air vibrations to ensure compliance with government regulations. An ongoing dialogue with local residents is also encouraged by sharing information to help educate neighbours about the operations while addressing concerns. The quarry also actively seeks opportunities in which to become involved and strives to support activities that are meaningful to the community. Recent contributions to local charities and events included The Limehouse Kiln Society, Literacy North Halton, Heart & Stroke Foundation, MS Society – Supercity Walk, 3-Pitch Baseball, Habitat for Humanity, and many, many more.
• Dufferin Aggregate, Blair Pit, North Dumfries
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The Blair Pit has designed and implemented a community relations program that includes community outreach and education, support of local events and issues, land sharing and direct staff involvement. Potential impacts from dust and traffic are also addressed through proactive measures. The news media are used to promote site events, such as the 2007 Earth Week celebrations, which attracted many neighbours, local politicians and members of the community. The Blair Pit will host another Open House for the community in 2008.
• Dufferin Aggregates, Carden Quarry, Brechin
  • In addition to its extensive operations monitoring program, the Carden Quarry has established relationships with key people in the community, including partners, politicians, agency staff, educators and the media. The quarry actively seeks opportunities that enable it to become directly involved in local initiatives and strives to support activities that are meaningful to the community. Recent contributions to local charities and events included the Barrie Minor Hockey Association, Beaverton Figure Skating Club, Eldon Township Minor Baseball Association, Habitat for Humanity and St. Joseph's Church Silent Auction, to name a few.
• Dufferin Aggregates, Flamboro Quarry, Dundas
  • The Flamboro Quarry is committed to developing strong community relations in its business operations with community friendly and environmentally conscious programs. Its ongoing support, which includes monetary and material contributions to many local charities, events and public organizations, to date includes: Hayden's Wish Foundation, Calvin Christian School, East Hamilton Lions Club, Healing Hands Busy Book, Dundas Men's Slow Pitch, Rockton Winter Club and Interval House. The quarry's signature Open House event, which was delayed this year due to site upgrades, has been rescheduled for early 2008. The popular event, which features a BBQ, displays and tours of the operation, is always well-received by people in the community.
• Dufferin Aggregates, Milton Quarry, Milton
  • The Milton Quarry maintains a healthy dialogue with the community by regularly circulating newsletters, brochures, and media coverage. Milton Quarry's education program offers learning opportunities for students and teachers with quarry tours, class lectures, educational materials, and exposure to jobs and professions in the industry. More than 45 education site visits were conducted in 2007. The site fosters partnerships with local universities and colleges to study and improve rehabilitation techniques, monitor results and enhance awareness of the industry. An open house is held annually where neighbours, employees, friends, partners and politicians gather to enjoy a breakfast buffet, site tours, product displays and children's entertainment.
• Dufferin Aggregates, Mosport Pit, Clarington
  • Dufferin Aggregates contributes to the communities where it operates. Tours at Mosport Pit are provided upon request and an Open House is held every other year for neighbours, employees, public officials and government agency staff. The Mosport Pit supports many local charities, events and public organizations, namely the Manvers Skating Club, Oshawa Ski Club, Orno Town Hall (Spaghetti Dinner), Mudhens Baseball Team, the Durham Children's Ground Water Festival, and much more. Their extensive education program offers learning opportunities for both students and teachers.
• Lafarge Canada Inc., Dundas Limestone Quarry, Hamilton
  • The Dundas Quarry ventures above and beyond its call towards Being a Good Neighbour. In the plant's processing area, special equipment has been installed to reduce noise, such as rubber and ceramic mats at material transfer points to absorb the impact of falling rock. Berms have also been created around the site's perimeter to serve as an aesthetic barrier between the operation and neighbouring properties. But one of the most effective – and entertaining – tools for promoting its commitment to the community is the Open House. At the most recent Dundas Open House held in June 2007, Lafarge announced two $2,500 donations for local charities, the Hamilton East Kiwanis Boys' and Girls' Club, and Neighbour to Neighbour. With over 750 visitors in 2007, the event proved to be a fun and educational attraction for the whole family.
• Lafarge Canada Inc., Fonthill Pit, Pelham
  • Lafarge is committed to its continued pledge to act as a mindful and active member of the Fonthill community. In addition to the berms surrounding the perimeter of the property, the processing area is located far away from the active face to suppress noise levels. Dust is kept at bay with the application of a dust suppressant approved by the Ministry of the Environment. Road safety is also at the top of Fonthill's list: A series of speed bumps control the speed at which trucks enter and exit the site. The Fonthill Pit is equally a proud partner in several community initiatives. Making monetary and material donations to various local organizations in the area is an inextricable part of the Fonhill tradition.
• Lafarge Canada Inc., Point Anne Limestone Quarry, Belleville
  • Even from afar, Point Anne Quarry is the picture of Good Neighbourliness: There is over 1 kilometre separating the main gates from the active extraction area. Coupled with its established berms that provide an excellent noise barrier, complaints from neighbours are very rare at Point Anne. Educating the community on what happens behind the berms is a very important part of maintaining strong community relations for Lafarge. This philosophy is evidenced at Point Anne Quarry with the intimate operations tours offered at their 2007 Open House. Only 6 visitors were permitted to tour the facility at a time for the opportunity to ask more questions and engage in detailed discussions with tour guides. Point Anne Quarry is also an avid contributor of monetary and material donations to various local organizations in the Belleville area.