Caledon Residents Raise Alarm Over Proposed Pond Dumping Site

As of October 5th, 2025, a group of Caledon residents are raising concerns about the town's proposal to allow a local pond, known as Swan Lake, to become a site for construction fill. The residents are worried about the potential risk of groundwater contamination, a valid concern according to some experts.

The pushback began after a motion was passed in May that opened up the possibility of permitting a prominent GTA developer to import excess soil onto their property in Caledon, which contains the rehabilitated gravel pit filled with groundwater. Retired water resources engineer Ian McLaurin, who serves as a volunteer advisor for the upset residents, warns that "Groundwater is what we drink, and we pull it straight out of the ground... and we drink that stuff totally untreated, and so that's why we're concerned about soil going into water."

Many residents question whether the town will be able to ensure their water will be protected and the soil will be free of pollutants. Hydrogeologist Steve Holysh acknowledges the residents' concerns, stating "If you had a well in that area, you would be concerned about the quality of the material that's coming into that location, no question." He also notes that while fill projects typically involve a two-step testing process, "there's always potential for something to be missed."

Caledon councillors Lynn Kiernan and Christina Early share the residents' concerns, with Early stating "This risk is too great for the reward." The mayor, Annette Groves, has previously stressed that the project has not been approved and would only be greenlit after the developer shows it can be done safely.