Media Release – Nov 12, 2026

Trucker, company charged after Hanlon spill

A trucker and his employer each face charges following a major spill Tuesday that closed a long section of the Hanlon Expressway for more than 10 hours.

Approximately 2:30 p.m. a member of the Guelph Police Service Traffic Unit was travelling southbound on the Hanlon Expressway when he observed a liquid substance on the roadway extending from College Avenue West to Downey Road.

The officer located a tanker truck stopped on the southbound shoulder near Downey Road, surrounded by a large pool of liquid. The product was identified as styrene resin, a highly flammable hazardous material. The Guelph Fire Department, Ontario Provincial Police, Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of the Environment were notified.

A Guelph Police Service officer trained in commercial motor vehicle and dangerous goods inspections also attended the scene.

As a precaution, all southbound lanes of the Hanlon Expressway were closed between Speedvale Avenue West and Downey Road after it was determined the spilled product presented a significant fire hazard.

The investigation determined that approximately 4.5 kilometres of roadway had been contaminated after styrene resin solution leaked from the tanker due to an improperly secured hatch.

The OPP assumed command of the scene and maintained the highway closure during the extensive cleanup operation, while Guelph Police Service officers continued to assist.

The response involved significant resources from multiple agencies, including numerous OPP and Guelph Police Service officers, personnel from several Guelph Fire Department stations, Ministry of the Environment officials, City of Guelph environmental protection staff, a Ministry of Transportation enforcement officer, highway maintenance crews, and specialized traffic control and crash support vehicles.

The highway remained closed until approximately 12:45 a.m.

As an additional precaution, children participating in activities at the nearby YMCA were moved indoors due to concerns regarding fumes and the potential risk of ignition in the area.

As a result of the investigation, a 30-year-old Brampton man has been charged with driving a commercial motor vehicle without conducting an inspection and failing to comply with federal safety standards by transporting an insecure load.

A Calgary company was also charged with failing to comply with safety standards as well as failing to ensure required performance standards were met. (Occurrence number GU26077696)

Man faces weapons charges

A Guelph man faces weapons and threatening charges after he was found Wednesday night with a large hunting knife in his pants.

Approximately 9:20 p.m. police were called to the area of Waterloo Avenue and St. Arnaud Street for reports a male had left a home after making concerning comments.

Officers located the man walking in the area and detained him. A search revealed a large knife in the back of his pants. A 71-year-old Guelph man is charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possessing a weapon for a dangerous purpose and uttering threats. He was held for a bail hearing Thursday. (Occurrence number GU26078011)

Man arrested in series of car entries

A Guelph man faces several charges related to a number of recent vehicle entries.

Approximately 6:45 p.m. Wednesday a woman reported her passenger window was smashed a short time earlier while her car was parked near Woolwich Street and London Road. Her purse and several personal electronic devices were stolen. One of the stolen credit cards was later used at a nearby convenience store.

Approximately 1 a.m. officers located the suspect on Woodlawn Road West and placed him under arrest. Some of the victim’s property was recovered. Investigation revealed the man was wanted in connection to several vehicle entries in late October in which vehicle windows were smashed and items stolen.

A 41-year-old Guelph man is charged with two counts each of theft under $5,000 and mischief under $5,000 as well as fraud under $5,000, possessing stolen property and five counts of breaching court orders. He was held for a bail hearing Thursday.

The Guelph Police Service investigated at least seven incidents Wednesday in which vehicle windows were smashed and small items stolen. In each of these occurrences vehicles were parked and unattended in commercial or residential areas. It is not known if they are related.

Residents are strongly encouraged not to leave items visible inside unattended vehicles, and to immediately report any suspicious activity. (Occurrence number GU26077986)

Business compound entered

The Guelph Police Service is investigating after a business compound was entered Wednesday morning.

The manager of a property on Regal Road reported someone entered the property at approximately 1 a.m. after using a prybar to break off the lock on a gate. Several commercial and personal vehicles were entered before the male was observed on video leaving the property at 1:22 a.m. At least one business reported a number of tools missing from a vehicle.

The suspect was described as wearing a light-coloured hoodie, a mask and a headlamp and was riding a bicycle. Anyone with information is asked to email Constable Marissa Marett at mmarett@guelphpolice.ca. (Occurrence number GU26077876)

Total calls for service in the last 48 hours - 467