The Rest of the Story
The Telephone Road Asphalt Plant proposal began when Fidelity Property Group sought to convert an existing gravel pit in Cramahe Township into a permanent, 24/7 asphalt facility— shifting the site from temporary extraction to continuous industrial use with year-round production and heavy truck traffic. As awareness grew, community concerns escalated to quality of life, including truck traffic, air emissions and risks to groundwater. The site’s proximity to homes, farms, and sensitive lands raised serious compatibility concerns.
Independent engineering analysis found truck volumes would far exceed what Telephone Road can safely handle, accelerating road damage and increasing safety risks.
Independent Environmental review identified risks of groundwater contamination, chemical spills, and ongoing noise, odour, and light impacts.
A legal submission by Gowling WLG argued that the project conflicts with local planning policies—limiting asphalt plants to active extraction sites—and fails to meet provincial separation requirements from nearby homes and sensitive uses.
The CRAA formally opposed the project through the Environmental Registry of Ontario, citing incomplete disclosure of key documents. In Jan 2026 CRAA made a formal Request for a Ministerial Investigation re Fidelity’s Breach of its ARA permit.
The proposal is now under review by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks as part of the Environmental Compliance Approval (Air) process. As of April 2026 No approval has been issued. The public comment period has closed, and the project remains under active provincial review.
Independent engineering analysis found truck volumes would far exceed what Telephone Road can safely handle, accelerating road damage and increasing safety risks.
Independent Environmental review identified risks of groundwater contamination, chemical spills, and ongoing noise, odour, and light impacts.
A legal submission by Gowling WLG argued that the project conflicts with local planning policies—limiting asphalt plants to active extraction sites—and fails to meet provincial separation requirements from nearby homes and sensitive uses.
The CRAA formally opposed the project through the Environmental Registry of Ontario, citing incomplete disclosure of key documents. In Jan 2026 CRAA made a formal Request for a Ministerial Investigation re Fidelity’s Breach of its ARA permit.
The proposal is now under review by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks as part of the Environmental Compliance Approval (Air) process. As of April 2026 No approval has been issued. The public comment period has closed, and the project remains under active provincial review.
