The battle continues to rage over the Goulet gravel pit application for the Baker Lake area in Timmins. Recently, the issue was brought forth by the Ontario Municipal Board responsible for ruling on land use and planning disputes. Now, a hearing could be schedule in Timmins and could occur as soon as those involved in the dispute are formally notified and agree to a date. The city would be responsible for the cost of the hearing and the event would be open to the public and organized in a fashion similar to court.

There is still a chance the parties might go through with mediation, though. Mediation would be in a private setting and most of the proceedings would likely remain confidential.

The dispute began when the Timmins city council turned down an application to develop the gravel pit that was submitted by Laurier and Florence Goulet in June. Their hope is to have the initial decision reversed so they could develop the pit and they have officially appealed the ruling.

The plan for development was opposed by residents in the area who believe the gravel pit would decrease their property values and bring unwanted noise into the otherwise quiet area. They also believe it would jeopardize the local water table and result in a number of heavy trucks hauling gravel and sand down privately owned roads.

Members of the council mostly supported the residents, and there was concern over whether the Goulet’s had the right to use local cottage roads and introduce heavy trucks to the area.

The ruling was appealed because the proposed development is deemed appropriate for the lands and represents sound and compatible land use planning. The appeal also came about because the Goulet’s plan was consistent with the Planning Act.