“The quarry proposed by the St. Marys Cement Inc. for a location near Carlisle, Ontario, should not be permitted”: Adjudication Report

Abstract

Arguments were presented in opposition to and in favour of St. Marys Cement Inc.’s proposal to construct a limestone quarry near Flamborough, Ontario as written reports and oral debates. This paper describes the development and implementation of a set of decision-making criteria that is used select the stronger of the two opinions. Measures were taken to limit bias in the adjudication process, maintain a high quality of referenced information, and establish a fair, comprehensive set of standards necessary for a convincing argument before the opposing arguments were presented. According to this set of decision-making criteria, the Opponents’ argument in opposition to the movement against development of the quarry was deemed most convincing. Although both parties structured arguments on social, economic, and environmental grounds, the arguments of the Opponents were stronger overall. Construction of the quarry is legal, and should be permitted as a benefit to the province of Ontario.