Caledon out of options to challenge proposed asphalt plant

The Town of Caledon says it has run out of legal options to challenge plans for an asphalt plant in Bolton.

In a statement on Tuesday (Oct. 4), the Town said the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) approved land use changes that allow for the development of an asphalt plant on Coleraine Dr., despite opposition from the Town, businesses and residents concerned about the project’s environmental impact.

The plant development has been opposed by the Town, with Council unanimously passing a resolution last year to appeal the decision.

But that challenge and numerous subsequent appeals were all denied, and the Town says the OLT’s decision “is now final and allows the plant to be built.”

Mayor Allan Thompson said he was “incredibly disappointed” by the decision, and hopes the next term of council will work to reduce any impact the plant may have on the community.

“I assure Caledon residents that Members of Council and Town staff have worked tirelessly over the last two years to appeal this decision – however, we have now exhausted all legal avenues,” Thompson said.

“I trust the work we have done will motivate the new term of Council to ensure affected residents continue to be supported as they grapple with this change.”

The Town says the approval was made on an interim basis subject to an Environmental Compliance Approval concerning noise and air emissions for the plant, final planning, and approval of a site plan.

Caledon says it has not received additional material for the site plan, and the timeline for opening and operation of the plant is currently unknown.