By Chad Ingram

Algonquin Highlands will spend about $15000 on upgrades to a gravel pit it owns after an inspection by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

During an Oct. 1 Algonquin Highlands council meeting public works director Mike Thomas told councillors the MNRF inspection had identified work that needed to be done to bring the pit into compliance with the Aggregate Resources Act.

That work includes clearly marking the boundary of the pit removing trees within five metres of the excavation face and removing the undercut at the top of the pit.

The township acquired the pit in 2006 along with lands acquired for the airport development project.

It is not used by the township.

“We don’t have any use for the pit . . . do we have to keep the licence intact?” asked Reeve Carol Moffatt.

Thomas said it would be good for future use for winter sand to keep the pit functioning.

The surveying work for tracing the boundaries of the pit will be done by Greg Bishop Surveying for $5130 plus HST.

The tree removal and cutback of the pit’s overhang will go to Toye Tree Removal for $8500 plus HST which includes chipping of the trees.