Graymont concludes Bedford Heritage Project agreements

Graymont announced that agreements have been concluded with all three municipalities involved with the Bedford Heritage Project.

"Conclusion of the agreements we are officially announcing today – with the Town of Bedford, Bedford Township and the Municipality of Stanbridge Station – is the result of extensive consultations with key stakeholders, including local and regional administrations, representatives of the agricultural industry, community groups and residents of the neighborhood, "said Sébastien Villeneuve, Director of Operations for Eastern Canada at Graymont. "It shows that, with a collaborative approach based on mutual respect, we can find innovative solutions that are beneficial for all parties.”

Acknowledging the presence of dignitaries attending the ceremony, including Town of Bedford Mayor Yves Lévesque, Bedford Township Mayor Gilles St-Jean and Stanbridge Station Mayor Gilles Rioux, Mr. Villeneuve described the local officials as "very good promoters of their region and the interests of their citizens. They worked hard to optimise the benefits of the Heritage Project."

The Heritage Project offers an innovative long-term solution to the problem that faces Graymont in terms of disposing of unusable stone overburden from the Bedford quarry. The initiative involves stacking the unusable stone on site, then covering it with soil and plants to create a new regional park and green space. The first phase of the project involves construction of the first of the three hillocks.

Significant elements of the Heritage Project that will directly benefit the community include the establishment of a fund to cover the costs of the management, maintenance and security associated with the new recreational green space, along with several complementary initiatives – including US$400 000 for maintenance and improvement of the local arena. Realisation of the Heritage Project will also result in the creation of 30 new residential lots. Finally, a Citizens' Forum will be set up to monitor the project.

Graymont plans to file a formal application to Quebec‘s Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change early in the fourth quarter of 2016, and will also apply to municipal authorities for the required building permits. If approvals are obtained as expected, Graymont anticipates starting construction in 2Q17.

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/02092016/graymont-concludes-bedford-heritage-project-agreements-186/