JOIN THE FIGHT!
Save Colpoy’s Bay.

Bruce Peninsula Water Watch is a non-profit citizens’ action group concerned about the proposed industrial aquaculture factory planned near Colpoy’s Bay. If built, it will have an irreversible damaging impact to the pristine waters of Colpoy’s Bay, from which more than 4,000 residents source their drinking water.  

Water Quality is THE Priority.

Colpoy’s Bay, part of Georgian Bay, has long been known for its pristine clear blue water. It’s so clear you can see the rocks more than 20 feet below the surface. Located in South Bruce Peninsula, this incredible area situated in the Niagara Escarpment is the traditional territory of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) and is part of a UNESCO Biosphere. Residents and visitors worldwide appreciate this rich biodiversity, where they can enjoy boating, fishing, scenic trails, the rugged wilderness and crystal clear water of Colpoy’s Bay and Georgian Bay.

In the Spring of 2021, Georgian Bay Innovation Group (now renamed GB Salmon) purchased 200 acres on 83 Berford Lake Road and they propose to build the largest land-based industrial sized aquaculture factory of its kind in the world.
At 500,000 sq. ft. or 11.5 acres it will equal the size of three Costco warehouses.

This diagram represents the scale of the 11.5 acre proposed factory if it was placed in Wiarton.
It would cover an area equivalent to one extending from The Beer Store & CO-OP to the Town Hall and Post Office.

Long time resident of Colpoys Bay, Ron Gatis speaks out against the proposed Fish Factory. “Our local council seem to think they are not elected to look after the 9000 property owners in the Town of South Bruce Peninsula. It is of no value to us whatsoever. It is a terrible deterrent to those living close to it and it would be a disaster for those of us taking water from the bay. So in my opinion, it has to be stopped and it is as simple as that.”

Let’s hope the new Mayor and Council are listening to you, Ron.

Watch video excepts from the public meeting held June 3rd, 2022 in Wiarton. Guest speakers were available to answer many questions that were not provided by GB Salmon.

Click here to view the complete PowerPoint Presentation.

McMaster University Master of Science candidates deliver their report on the potential impacts of the proposed Georgian Bay Salmon facility on Colpoy’s Bay.

FINAL REPORT JUNE 3, 2022 - The graduate’s final written report can be viewed by clicking on this link:
https://greatlakeswetlands.ca/publications/1014/ To view the pdf, download the ‘Summary Potential Impact of GBS RAS in Wiarton’

Protect Colpoys Bay Drinking Water

Over 4,000 people get their drinking water from Colpoy’s Bay

Rendering of proposed GB salmon Fish Factory

Rendering of proposed facility

With no proven track record and a questionable past, are we willing to let GB Salmon experiment with Colpoy’s Bay?

GB Salmon held two public information sessions in December 2021. They have stated that to date, there is not a single facility in the world using the technology they propose that is economically viable.  It became evident to the people in attendance that the efficacy of the proposed industrial facility was questionable. 

Other than empty claims of expertise, GB Salmon has not disclosed any evidence of the skills, experience and funding needed to execute this ambitious project. 

GB Salmon plans to construct an underground pipeline over a mile in length from the factory into Colpoy’s Bay.

They will take over 1.8 million litres of water per day (6.8 HUNDRED MILLION litres annually) from Colpoy’s Bay and return 1.5 million litres per day (5.7 HUNDRED MILLION litres annually) of wastewater back into the Bay where it will blend with water in the bay in a designated 'mixing zone’. 

How will the millions of litres of wastewater dumped into the bay annually impact the water quality?

The proposed factory is located on part of the UNESCO Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve (NEBR) that has significantly protected wetlands and biodiversity. It is an important fishing area for the Saugeen Ojibway Nation as well as for anglers. The proposed facility will require staggering amounts of water from Colpoy’s Bay and will also consume a significant amount of power to operate and desalinate the water. GB Salmon has not offered any information on how these power sources will be met.

Environmental testing is underway by GB Salmon, who are required to adhere to minimal Provincial standards. Water quality in Colpoy’s Bay far exceeds Provincial standards and should be protected for future generations.  It is up to all of us to protect Colpoy’s Bay as part of Georgian Bay and the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Colpoy’s Bay is home of the rainbow trout spawning channel

Proposed factory designated on an area within the UNESCO Biosphere

The Town of South Bruce confirms that current agricultural zoning is compliant and remains quiet on this issue. Is industrialization their long term vision for our community?

The Town of South Bruce has confirmed that the fish farm proposal can operate under current agricultural zoning. The provincial  Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has issued an aquaculture licence. However, further permits to construct pipes into Colpoy’s Bay have not been issued by the region and putting wastewater back into the bay has not been approved provincially or federally.

Concerned residents continue to speak out.

‘Where is our local leadership and why are you so quiet? The GBSC team admitted this would be the first land-based salmon aquaculture facility in Ontario! They also told us that it is planned to be the largest - a huge, industrial operation. So Colpoy’s Bay and its concerned citizens will be the guinea pigs with all the risks and uncertainties a new venture brings. We already know the negative environmental impact of sea-based aquaculture - makes perfect sense to bring that to our beautiful Colpoy‘s Bay right? Without asking some basic questions? Really?’

Glynnis Rengger, excerpt from a letter written to Mayor Janice Jackson and Council after GBSC public information session held on Dec 9, 2021

It’s not too late to stop this Fish Factory!

Be a part of the growing movement to protect Colpoy’s Bay and our region.

  • Spread the word and inform your neighbours.
    Direct them to the website www.smellsfishy.org to learn more, and share your thoughts on social media. (links below)

  • Volunteer! Contact us (using the contact form below) and let us know you’d like to help.

  • Contribute to the cause! We are also accepting contributions towards ongoing expenses, such as signs, mailers, advertising, experts and legal costs. Any amount helps. Visit the ‘DONATE’ page on our website for more information.

  • Speak out and speak up! Call or email the Mayor, your councillors, your MP and MPP

Mayor Garry Michi
519-534-1400 ext. 200
garry.michi@southbrucepeninsula.com
PO Box 310 Wiarton, ON N0H 2T0

Deputy Mayor Jay Kirkland 
519-534-1400 ext. 201
jay.kirkland@southbrucepeninsula.com
791 Bruce Road, 8 Hepworth ON N0H 2T0

Councillors

Terry Bell 
519- 534-1400 ext. 202

Kathy Durst
519-534-1400 ext. 203

Caleb Hull
519-534-1400  ext. 204

Economic Development Officer , Town of South Bruce Peninsula 
Danielle Edwards
519-534-1400 ext. 148

Rick Byers MPP
Bruce - Grey - Owen Sound
519-371-2421 or 1-800-461-2664
rick.byers@pc.ola.org

Alex Ruff MP
Bruce - Grey - Owen Sound
519-3711059
alex.ruff@parl.gc.ca

Updates to this website will occur regularly as we learn more. Check back often.

Contact us.

If you have any questions or further information regarding this topic, or if you can help in any way, please leave your contact information and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Thank you.

Sign the Petition.

Join Bruce Peninsula Water Watch and the growing number of concerned people and sign this petition opposing the proposed Fish Factory. Protect Colpoy’s Bay and Georgian Bay.

https://www.thepetitionsite.com/en-ca/684/577/962/demand-a-stop-to-georgian-bay-innovation-groups-plans-to-take-water-from-georgian-bay/

 Donate.

Please help Bruce Peninsula Water Watch protect Colpoy’s Bay. Click on the ‘DONATE’ section of our website to learn how to make a donation to aid in the fight. Any amount helps. Thank-you!