The Battle Over Gravel: Cavanagh Construction's Rezone Fight in Lanark Highlands
- Anne Gourlay-Langlois
- Dec 23, 2025
- 4 min read
The quiet rural landscape of Lanark Highlands has become the centre
of a heated dispute. Cavanagh Construction, a company known for its work in infrastructure and development, has applied to rezone land for a gravel pit. This move has sparked a fierce debate among residents, environmental groups, and local officials. The fight over this rezoning application reveals deeper tensions about land use, environmental protection, and community values in Lanark Highlands.
Background of the Rezoning Application
Cavanagh Construction submitted a request to rezone a parcel of land in Lanark Highlands to allow for gravel extraction. Gravel pits are essential for supplying materials used in construction, road building, and other infrastructure projects. The company argues that the site is well-located and that the gravel resource is valuable for meeting regional demand.
Rezoning is necessary because the current land designation does not permit industrial extraction activities. The application triggered a review process involving public consultations, environmental assessments, and municipal planning committees.
Community Concerns and Opposition
Many residents of Lanark Highlands have voiced strong opposition to the rezoning. Their concerns focus on several key issues:
Environmental Impact: Gravel pits can disrupt local ecosystems, affecting wildlife habitats and water quality. Residents worry about the potential for increased sediment runoff into nearby streams and the loss of forested areas.
Noise and Dust Pollution: Extraction activities generate noise from heavy machinery and dust that can affect air quality. This is especially troubling for those living close to the proposed site.
Traffic Increase: Gravel pits require frequent truck traffic to transport materials. Locals fear that this will increase wear on rural roads and pose safety risks.
Property Values: Some homeowners worry that proximity to a gravel pit could lower property values and reduce the quality of life.
Local environmental groups have also joined the opposition, citing studies that link gravel extraction to long-term ecological damage if not properly managed.
Supporters’ Arguments for the Rezoning
Supporters of the rezoning, including Cavanagh Construction and some local officials, emphasize the economic and practical benefits:
Economic Development: The gravel pit would create jobs during both the extraction phase and through related industries. It could also generate tax revenue for the municipality.
Infrastructure Needs: Gravel is a critical raw material for road repairs and construction projects in the region. Having a local source reduces transportation costs and supports timely project completion.
Regulated Operations: Cavanagh Construction promises to follow strict environmental guidelines and implement mitigation measures such as dust control and progressive site rehabilitation.
Community Investment: The company has proposed community benefits, including funding for local initiatives and infrastructure improvements.
Supporters argue that with proper oversight, the gravel pit can operate responsibly without causing undue harm.
Environmental Assessments and Mitigation Plans
A key part of the debate involves the environmental assessment submitted by Cavanagh Construction. The report includes:
Wildlife Surveys: Identifying species present on the site and potential impacts.
Water Management Plans: Measures to prevent contamination of groundwater and surface water.
Dust and Noise Controls: Strategies such as water spraying and restricted operating hours.
Rehabilitation Plans: Steps to restore the land after gravel extraction ends, including replanting native vegetation.
Environmental experts have reviewed the assessment, with some supporting the proposed measures and others calling for more stringent protections.
Where are we now?
The Township of Lanark Highlands considered revised applications by Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit a below-water aggregate pit on Dalhousie Concession 10, Part Lot 5. Despite reductions in pit size, tonnage, truck traffic, and operating hours, significant concerns remain regarding land use compatibility, environmental impacts on Barbers Lake and Long Sault Creek, and potential disruption to Wheeler s Pancake House & Museum, a major agri-tourism destination.
In the township report (see attachment) the planner stressed that the site lies within the “Waterfront Communities” designation, where aggregate extraction is inconsistent with Official Plan policies prioritizing ecological, visual, and recreational values. The report concludes that the applicant has not demonstrated compatibility with surrounding rural land uses, nor minimized adverse social, economic, and environmental effects. Accordingly, the professional planning recommendation is that Council refuse the rezoning and Official Plan amendments, protecting existing waterfront and tourism uses as the Township’s long-term interest.
Latest news from the Township’s website:
Thomas Cavanagh Construction Ltd. has appealed this issue to the Ontario Land Tribunal. On December 9, 2025, Lanark Highlands Council instructed legal counsel to oppose Cavanagh Construction’s appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal. The appeal concerns delays in decisions on Official Plan and Zoning By-law amendments. Council aims to protect local planning policies, represent community interests, and keep residents informed.
Why should we care?
Residents of Mississippi Lake have good reason to pay attention to the Cavanagh Construction rezoning appeal in Lanark Highlands, because decisions made upstream or in connected parts of the watershed can directly affect their lake’s health and community character. Here are the key points:
Environmental Impacts
Watershed Connection: Barbers Lake and other nearby water bodies feed into the Mississippi River system, which includes Mississippi Lake. Changes in land use (like aggregate extraction or rezoning for industrial activity) can alter water quality downstream.
Risk of Pollution/Runoff: Rezoning for gravel pits or construction often raises concerns about sedimentation, fuel spills, or chemical runoff entering the watershed.
Community & Lifestyle
Waterfront Communities: Rezoning that permits heavy industry can affect the rural and recreational character of waterfront areas. Residents value clean water, quiet surroundings, and natural beauty — all of which could be compromised.
Property Values: Environmental degradation or industrial expansion near lakes often reduces property values and deters tourism.
Policy & Precedent
Official Plan Integrity: If the Ontario Land Tribunal sides with the developer, it could weaken local planning policies meant to protect rural and waterfront communities.
Future Applications: Approving one rezoning may open the door to similar proposals, increasing cumulative pressure on the watershed.
Civic Engagement
Representation: Council has already decided to oppose the appeal. Community voices from Mississippi Lake can strengthen the case by showing broader regional concern.
Stewardship: Residents who care about invasive species, water quality, and shoreline protection have a direct stake in how land use decisions are made upstream.
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