Guelph’s Dolime Quarry project receives MZO approval from Ontario government

Ontario's Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark has issued a minister's zoning order to speed up development on the former Dolime Quarry lands.

Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark has issued a minister’s zoning order (MZO) to speed up development on the former Dolime Quarry lands.

Clark was in Guelph for an early morning news conference at city hall on Monday and also signed off on the city’s request to officially include the quarry lands in Guelph’s municipal boundary.

“Young families, seniors and all hard-working Ontarians are desperate for housing that meets their needs and budget. As Ontario enters a period of economic recovery, we are working hard to protect our progress and increase the supply of housing our province needs,” Clark said.

“I’m proud to grant the City of Guelph’s request for a minister’s zoning order to help build more homes faster, all while protecting the drinking water for the people of Guelph and Eramosa.”

Clark said the MZO and the boundary adjustment would both come into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

Plans for the Dolime Quarry have been in the works since 2019 when the city announced that the quarry would shut down and the site, currently in Guelph-Eramosa Township, would be brought inside Guelph’s municipal boundary.

Along with a mixed-use neighbourhood, Guelph would also take over control of the quarry’s water supply and build an on-site water management system.

The city said the quarry diverts about 11 million litres of water per day and the plan is essential in protecting Guelph’s drinking water.