September 2021
September 30, 2021
As a follow up to the letter requesting updates from Georgian Bay Innovation Group, additional letters were forwarded to the offices of MPP Bill Walker and Mayor Janice Jackson earlier this week. We have now received replies from Tim Boosamra, one of the Directors of Georgian Bay Innovation Group and Mayor Janice Jackson. Copies of the correspondence are attached below:
Email from Mayor Janice Jackson:
Date: September 30, 2021 at 5:09:33 PM EDT
Subject: Re: Janice Jackson_Sept 27.pdf
Hi Dan
Thanks for writing.
I do share your frustration with the lack of communication from the developer and our office has repeatedly appealed to them to reach out to the community and address public concerns. I do believe they have recently sent correspondence to you which is certainly good news.
One thing that seems to be misunderstood is the Town and myself as Mayor has absolutely no authority to demand that a private business communicate with anyone. We can't force a business to do anything at all. I'm not clear as to why you feel the town has any authority or right to demand a private business conduct itself in any fashion whatsoever.
We are aware that they have completed many of the studies and tests they are required to undertake and we along with the rest of the community are anxious for the results and responses from the various Ministries involved, as well as SON.
Again, if they do not pass these tests and clear all the hurdles required, they will not operate. If there's any chance they will harm our bay, they will not obtain the clearance to operate. SON has fishing rights in the bay and of all the parties involved, I feel I can say with assurance, if they are not satisfied with the purification system proposed and feel the bay will be harmed, SON will not allow this business to operate and we will not grant them access to our road allowances.
We all have to wait for the tests and studies to be completed, the results compiled and reports delivered to the various agencies. We are all anxious to see how they collectively feel about the viability of this business.
Thank you again for writing.
Janice
Janice Jackson
Mayor
Town of South Bruce Peninsula
September 22, 2021
The following letter was forwarded to GBI Group as a reminder that residents are awaiting an overdue update and information on findings as they become available as was publicly stated by the company in its Press release and on it’s website.
September 10, 2021
Activity at the proposed site was noted including a number of individuals and an SUV bearing Newfoundland license plates.
Local residents report seeing Gerry Sullivan, one of the directors of Georgian Bay Innovation Group and 4 others at a Wiarton restaurant. Some discussion was overheard regarding size of superstructure and 1.5 and 3.5 meter pipes. It was noted that “they seemed very confident in planning (and) moving ahead with the project”
A shared internet photo suggested that one of the other individuals seen in the restaurant may have been the CEO of AquaMaof, a very large Israeli owned company.
Information found on AquaMaof’s website claims 30 years experience-similar to claims made on Georgian Bay Innovation Group’s website.
It is noted on AquaMaof’s website that they “ create industrial, safe and sustainable aquaculture solutions for the local production of fish and seafood.”
Clearly the size and scale of these industrial aquaculture operations need be recognized as industry and not agriculture for zoning purposes.
The privately owned company’s website also makes claims of projects in Canada including a recent project in Newfoundland.
A search of aquaculture facilities including one in Newfoundland has yielded the following images:
https://www.aquamaof.com/smolt-hatchery-nursery-canada/
https://www.aquamaof.com/salmon-production-facility-japan/
https://www.aquamaof.com/catfish-production-facility-slovakia/
Monday September 9 - Court WIN for Greenpeace: Doug Ford’s government broke the law
We took Doug Ford’s government to court for failing to consult Ontarians before gutting environmental laws. Now the Ontario court has confirmed that his government’s actions were indeed “unlawful”.
https://www.greenpeace.org/canada/en/story/48468/doug-ford-well-see-you-in-court-today/