NEMI resolution on poor chip and tar compounds gains momentum around Manitoulin council tables

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NEMI resolution on poor chip and tar compounds gains momentum around Manitoulin council tables

Tom Sasvari

Apr 15, 2026 - 2 min read

This stretch of road along Little Current’s North Channel Drive is a prime example of the lack of staying power the new formula has. This road was treated last spring and has already completely disintegrated. -- photo by Alicia McCutcheon

NEMI resolution on poor chip and tar compounds gains momentum around Manitoulin council tables — This stretch of road along Little Current’s North Channel Drive is a prime example of the lack of staying power the new formula has. This road was treated last spring and has already completely disintegrated. -- **photo by Alicia McCutcheon**

NEMI—The Town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands is receiving support from other Manitoulin Island communities on a resolution and concerns it has raised with the Ministry of Environment (MOE) on the poor quality and durability of materials used in the surface treatment of roads.

“We supported the resolution from NEMI. There is definitely a considerable difference in the product that is being used now,” stated Lee Hayden, reeve of Gordon/Barrie Island after council passed a resolution supporting the NEMI resolution and concerns.

“This product is supposed to have less environmental impact, but the roads must be repaired twice as often, which is of no environmental benefit, and is costing municipalities an exorbitant amount of money. It is a totally inferior product,” said Reeve Hayden.