Residents Speak Out

Residents continue to speak out:

Message: Our drinking water comes directly from the Bay! We have a pump house that would be directly affected in a catastrophic way should Colpoys Bay become contaminated by the processes used by THE FISH FACTORY! Our Children swim and play in the pristine waters of Colpoys Bay!!! We cannot allow this contamination to occur!!! This proposed FISH FACTORY will poison our drinking/living source water!!! We Are The Protectors of this incredible natural ecosystem! There are countless marine life that would be devastated should this proposed FISH FACTORY commence! The proposed industrial facility would be located on the UNESCO NIAGARA ESCARPMENT BIOSPHERE, an area with significantly protected wetlands and biodiversity!!!!! THE QUESTION IS HOW DID SUCH A DEVASTATING, DESTRUCTIVE, POTENTIALLY LIFE INCLUDING HUMAN LIFE THREATENING PROPOSAL EVER GET THIS FAR? Who is profiting from this? The price of such senseless industry is insurmountable!!!! We Are The Stewards Of This Land!!! This must NEVER BE ALLOWED to develop!!! Should there be a vote- my ballot is cast firmly WITH THE OPPOSITION OF THIS PROPOSED PROJECT!!! With The Greatest Respect To Our Natural Habitat Preservation, PLEASE DO NOT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN.

Message: Overall from Europe to Canada, Industries\Farming of this nature do not have have a good track records! I'm really concerned about the pipeline and the "treated" waste which will dischared into the bay. It's interesting that that Wiarton's water treatment plant is located on the west arm of Colpoy Bay. As water currents naturally flow in an anti clockwise direction in our area it is for this reason the plant is located where it is and not on the east arm downsteam from the sewage outfall pipe. As the plant, if built, is located in essence on the west arm of the bay, all waste will eventually be able to be picked up by our water treatment plant and end up in our water supply. I am reasonably certain that the chemicals and antibiotics etc. used at the fish plant will not be removed by the plant. The fish plant is not needed here and poses health risks and water degradation. The project should be stopped, now.

Message: We have our year round cottage on Mallory Beach Rd. My family cottage built by my grandparents is on the same road. I want my family and grandchildren to experience the clean clear waters of Colpoys Bay without industry for profit pollution.

Message: We need to protect our ecological waters that supply both food and recreation to a lot of residents. Don’t poison our waters. Keep them clean

Message: Fresh water protection is very important, and must be protected at all costs. How can this company possibly keep all contaminants from the watershed when dumping that much water back into the water system? There are already so many issues with antibiotics affecting flora and fauna in non-industrialized farming situations that I wouldn’t believe that a factory farm of that scale could contain all antibiotic residue from escape, as one example.

Message: We live in Meaford where residents have been fighting a proposed pumped storage facility that will destroy our pristine water, marine wildlife, and tourism. Now we read of this industrial fish farm coming to Colpoy’s Bay, another destroyer of clean water and the marine ecosystem. Is there a government representative anywhere who is not in league with corporate power? If so, we’d like to meet that individual. Shame on all of you! You do not represent the citizens of the Bruce, Meaford, or Ontario. You represent corporate interests. You will tell us that these projects are good for the economy, that they will bring jobs, etc. In the end, though, it won’t be our economy that is improved. It will be corporate Canada that profits from these projects. We will be left with the detritus: dirty water, dead fish, destruction of our ecosystem, diminished tourism, loss of income and quality of life.

Message: I hope you can stop this. A fish farm on Lac Heney in Gracefield, QC caused major pollution from waste water going into the lake. There is a ton of scientific reports available online about this that could help your cause. Just google lac heney fish farm and you’ll see lots of info. More info can be found at the lac heney cottage association’s Facebook page. I wish you all the best.

Message: It is very short sighted of the Mayor Janice Jackson and the council of SBP to not instantly challenge the fish farm. Don't let this be your leadership legacy! Your decision to fight against the Fish Farm or support them will impact futire generations. There is no neutral territory on this issue.

You will either move forward in a positive way protecting our biosphere, environment and fresh water against this fish farm OR under your leadership the fish farms were provided the opportunity to irreparably damage our biosphere causing any species of creatures to suffer

Such a decision could easily begin the demise of one of five of the largest of freshwater lakes in the world. A trickle down effect could spiral for generations to come. Fresh drinking water could be compromised.

I haven't even yet touched on the lack of respect and the impact on our indigenous neighbours and their traditional fishing. I need more knowledge to do that accurately. This is a big decision. It is a leadership mountain to either die or thrive.

Message: Massive and inappropriate use of antibiotics to treat or prevent disease in farmed fish fosters the development of resistant bacteria that have the potential of harming humans. This was the finding of a recent study conducted by researchers from France’s Institute of Development and Research (IRD) and Center for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development (CIRAD)

Message: Apparently farmed fish is one of the worst things you can eat on the planet, anyways. Boycott?

Message: Seriously? That close from a national park? That quantity of fish? Earth and suffering lives need a break.

Message: This is crazy! That it could be that simple for such a large industrial project to be installed in the escarpment area, a supposedly protected zone in Ontario, along the as yet clean waters of Georgian Bay. Clean water is a HUGE resource in the world today. Look at how the mining industry has left huge areas of Canada ravaged by its digging and now in further peril due to containment ponds. Every industry has spills and accidents. This will be devastating to the whole of Georgian Bay, spawning grounds AND eventually to the water that people all around the Bay depend upon to drink. It is a huge risk with profits for the company involved, NOT the people who live here now and in future. Incredible that this is even being considered during this time of climate upheaval and worldwide water shortages- most caused by industry.

Message: Preserve the Bruce!

Message: A fish farm would be an atrocity

Message: Why the demand for this fish factory? This is not farming….this is ecologically unsound…and as usual…the government is making decisions based on corporate coercion.

Message: With the volume of water removed from the bay will the loss of microbiological organism's being also removed affect the food chain of our fish in Colpoy's Bay? We all remember the effect of Zebra muscles feeding on these organism's. The effect on our fishery was fewer and smaller fish for many years. As the muscles have been dyeing off our fishery is gradually improving. We certainly do not need this. The economic effect on our community will be much worst than gaining a few jobs.

Message: I object!!

Message: Resident for 71 years, Colpoys Bay has been a pristine waterway for centuries and now for the sake of GMO fish factory you want to pollute our Bay. Shame on you!

Message: In the era of climate change and mitigation launching any new large scale/ industrial aquaculture project is putting your head in the sand. Drought, water shortages, flooding a contaminated water table, boil water advisories, increased costs to taxpayers are all in your future in addition to predicted climate disruptions. Large scale industrial is out! Small scale is in! Protect your life giving and beautiful resources! Do not move ahead with this project.

Message: Don’t do it!!!!

Message: The community does not support this endeavour. This about money. Pure and simple. When will we stop this insanity?

Message: I am totally and without hesitation against this fish farm in our rare biosphere. How can you even consider this when our water resources are already being challenged with plutonium sand plastics. No amount of money or business is worth it. You can't make more clean water.

Message: I am opposed to the fish factory from an environmental standpoint.

Message: Georgian Bay is NOT FOR SALE!

Message: Stop now!

Message: Totally fix is in from the mayor down. Stop this now and ave the beautiful waters or Georgian Bay.

Message: This is heartbreaking.. needs to be stopped!!

Message: I oppose the concept of a fish farm on the Bruce Peninsula. I believe in preserving the beauty and significance of the bay waters and the land encompassing the fish farm site. I would not be a consumer of such fish either, only ethically caught, wild fish frequents our table, along with our family and friends. This is a preposterous idea that needs to be halted, the Bruce Peninsula is a Canadian treasure, in it’s pristine, natural beauty,. Let’s not destroy it.

Message: Very unnecessary move. There are not many prestige places left and it doesn’t make sense to destroy it.

Message: What is our municipal leadership thinking? STOP THE FISH FACTORY!!!
We are on the cusp of deciding whether we preserve and celebrate our pristine and environmentally special area or destroy it with a catastrophic and irreversible act. What are you thinking? STOP THE FISH FACTORY!

Message: Please save the beautiful water in Colpoys Bay and say no to the fish factory.

Message: Do not let this project go ahead.

Message: I 100% oppose the fish farm. With all of the current strains on the natural environment on the Bruce Peninsula, this would be a huge one. Without clean water we are nothing. Let's not let the almighty dollar win once again as it will not be reversed if allowed to happen.

Message: Very unnecessary move. There are not many prestige places left and it doesn’t make sense to destroy it.

Message: I oppose the concept of a fish farm on the Bruce Peninsula. I believe in preserving the beauty and significance of the bay waters and the land encompassing the fish farm site. I would not be a consumer of such fish either, only ethically caught, wild fish frequents our table, along with our family and friends.
This is a preposterous idea that needs to be halted, the Bruce Peninsula is a Canadian treasure, in it’s pristine, natural beauty,. Let’s not destroy it.

Message: Water is life, without water we lose our life.

Message: Georgian Bay is NOT FOR SALE!

Message: I am opposed to the fish factory from an environmental standpoint.

Message: I am totally and without hesitation against this fish farm in our rare biosphere. How can you even consider this when our water resources are already being challenged with plutonium sand plastics. No amount of money or business is worth it. You can't make more clean water.

December 27, 2021 - The proposed fish farm by freely drawing fresh water from Colpoys Bay then polluting it, will hobble Wiarton. Both the health, economy and vitality of this rural community, subject to the perils of capitalism, will decline dramatically.

The future of water as a significant asset class depends on the willingness of governments federal, provincial and municipal – and ultimately of society at large – to price water at its long-run social marginal cost as a scarce resource (including the cost of addressing the negative environmental externalities associated with its production and distribution).

Globally, over 70 per cent of fresh water is used in agriculture, and world-wide most of this usage is not fairly priced. Households in all countries pay the hidden, high long-run social marginal cost of the water they use.

I hope and expect that this economic anomaly will soon diminish. There is growing recognition of deepening freshwater scarcity crises around the world, as well as a greater willingness on the part of policymakers to price negative environmental externalities appropriately. Hopefully elected officials in Wiarton think deeply and see clearly that their local fresh water -- Colpoys Bay -- is a scarce resource, which must be protected.

To recognise water as a scarce resource, a tradable commodity, and a marketable asset is not to diminish its unique significance as a quantity that is essential to life and viewed by many as a precious gift. Leaders need to make wise decisions else they trade societal health and vitality for mere pennies. 

Far too often water pricing creates economic hardships, and often requires shallow fiscal responses through targeted income support. By essentially giving away, the fresh water of Colpoys Bay, the health and well-being of the local community will be drastically compromised. Worse, because the identity of those adversely affected by improper water pricing – a two-tier tariff may be required. Ultimately, more citizens will require social subsistence when pricing allows water to be given free to corporate giants or at a heavily subsidised municipal price, to preserve the right incentives.

Dr. Roger Crane




December 23, 2012 - Mayor Jackson replies to Glynnis Rengger’s Open Letter sent on December 13, following the first information session given by Georgian Bay Salmon.


Greetings fellow concerned citizens,
Mayor Janice Jackson has provided an official response to me on the Open Letter I sent to her and Council. She has requested that I submit her response (see two below) to SmellsFishy. I did say to her that I believe there is an opportunity to communicate directly with the community. There are many members of the community who are very concerned about the Georgian Bay Salmon Company's proposal and a direct statement from the Mayor and Council would be very encouraging. Having a sense that we are all aligned on ensuring the right thing is done will be very reassuring.
Per Mayor Jackson - "I have reached out to the Smells Fishy folks at least twice and I highly doubt they will pass on my response as it doesn't fit their narrative. I suspect they likely wouldn't post it even coming from you. I've given them info and we've given the community the info we have, which isn't anything more than what everyone has now".
I would hope that we share a common narrative - the long-term sustainability for all in our community (people AND nature). More communication is better in times of uncertainty and especially when there is a lack of information. Mayor Jackson, perhaps we can come together as a community in the New Year and have a long, hard look at what we really need to know from the GBIG / GBSC. Let's align on what our benchmarks are for sustainable economic development.
All the best to you all for a Happy Holidays and a wonderful New Year,
Glynnis

*****************

Hi Glynnis

I noticed your letter has found its way around social media.

Would you be kind enough to submit my reply to the smellsfishy people so they can post it too?

I've attached it again for you, and I added the examples of what the town issues business licenses for. I want people to clearly understand the town's position.

Please read it again and if you're OK, I'd appreciate you submitting it so they can post my answer to your letter.

Thanks again.
Janice Jackson

**********************************

Hello Glynnis,

Thank you for writing, you clearly took a great deal of time to pen this email.

There is a huge misconception regarding the Town and our Council. We don’t have the right to demand any information at all of any company that comes to town. We can absolutely ask, but they have no obligation to answer.

There are two situations where the Town gets involved; 1) If a landowner needs to have the property re-zoned. 2) If they require a municipal business license to operate (food trucks, STA’s, taxi’s). The salmon farm is zoned appropriately and the Province issues a license in this situation, not the town.

We realize this is a contentious issue however they are going through all the studies and tests the various government agencies are demanding of them. Until they are completed and the results are determined, we must wait.

They came to Council as a courtesy several months ago to let us know they were negotiating the purchase of land on Berford Lake Rd and they were going to build an aquaculture facility. They were unable to tell us much because they were dealing with securing the rights to use a certain technology, which Gerry spoke of at the meeting. We were not told much other than it would be huge, one story, 5 trucks a day would come and go, 250 jobs created, processing will take place elsewhere. Things of that nature. It was a closed session meeting because they had not secured the technology or the land. They were still in negotiations.

They didn’t need to come to us at all. Most businesses large and small, set up without notifying the town.

Seeing the discord within the community, we have been urging them to communicate with the public. They needed to secure that proprietary method before they could reach out. Even then, because the study results have not come in, they would not be able to answer all questions. We urged them to communicate with the public anyway, giving them whatever information they could. That is what they did yet they were criticized and yelled at for not being able to answer every question asked of them.

We prefer to absorb scientific facts before taking a stand, but the scientific facts are not in yet. Our position is this; wait for the reports to come back. If it reveals that harm will come to Colpoys Bay, we will stand on our heads to stop it. The only thing they’ve asked of the town is permission to run their water pipe through our road allowance. If the studies reveal any type of contamination of our bay, we simply won’t permit them the use of our road allowance.

I do know from experience that in today’s technology, purification systems are so advanced, I would not be surprised if they were able to return water to the bay in a cleaner state than when they took it. There was a great question about the loss of water for which they didn’t have the answer.  The engineer from Hutchinson Environmental will have that answer when her studies are complete. I’d like to know what the typical loss of water is on a daily basis, through simple evaporation. She will come back with those answers.

Aside from 3 government agencies demanding studies, they must also deal with SON. I was disappointed with that man who accused SON of being on the take. SON is fiercely protective of their fishing rights and I can’t imagine anything would cause them to turn their backs on that. If this company cannot prove through scientific testing, that they will not harm the bay, SON will without a doubt deny their support and we will stand with them.

As for workforce, that is their problem to solve. If this venture turns out to be sound, this could be the best thing that ever happened to our town and your town would benefit too. So, until we know more about this venture, we are allowing due course. They are executing all requirements and demands of them, and we need to allow that to happen.

We believe science will determine the fate of this venture and we trust our community has faith in science too.

Thanks again for writing.

Take care
Janice

Message: Second Information Session by GB Salmon provides more misleading claims 

In their second information session held on December 14, 2021 at the Wiarton Propeller Club, GB  Salmon took questions from attendees, something they refused to do in the first session on December  10. 

GB Salmon claims to want to be transparent. However, they might have reconsidered responding to  questions from the floor that night had they known that Gerry Sullivan, CEO of GB Salmon, would choose to be so revealing. 

During the session, Gerry Sullivan presented a slide showing a map of AquaMaof’s RAS Aquaculture  plants around the world. GB Salmon plans to use AquaMaof’s systems. Beside each plant on the map  was a number for the annual metric tons produced. The map gave the impression that AquaMaof is  operating numerous plants around the world that are successfully producing thousands of metric tons  of salmon annually. In Canada, AquaMaof currently has one other plant, located in Marystown,  Newfoundland. Gerry Sullivan’s chart for the Newfoundland plant showed 7,000 metric tons annually.  

In the question and answer session an attendee asked Mr. Sullivan whether or not the figure of 7,000  metric tons annually had already been achieved at the Newfoundland plant or was a projection based  on anticipated yield. Mr. Sullivan’s answer was that he wasn’t sure. That admission, itself, was startling.  How could he not know? But Mr. Sullivan continued to surprise. 

Still addressing Mr. Sullivan, the attendee then quoted a 2019 BC Department of Fisheries study on the  State of Salmon Aquaculture Technology which identified only two land-based aquaculture facilities  capable of producing 2,000 tonnes annually. GB Salmon is projecting 15,000 metric tonnes annually. The  attendee asked, “Who is telling the truth? Is the BC Department of fisheries wrong?” There was no  response. 

Finally, the attendee referred to another study completed in 2019 (Furuset, A. (2019). https://www.intrafish.com/aquaculture/ land-based-salmon-production-estimates-may-be-overly optimistic-equipment-suppliers-say/2-1-696023) and referenced by the BC Salmon Farmer’s Association in its report of November 2020 (see https://ready.bcsalmonfarmers.ca/report, p 42 – 43). The study claimed that of the 69 large scale land-based aquaculture projects being promoted globally in 2019, no  more than five would actually be built. The attendee asked Mr. Sullivan: “So, is it fair to say that we are a  bit of an experiment?” Mr. Sullivan, surprising those attending and confounding, we suspect, his  associates at GB Salmon, agreed. 

About the only positive thing that one can say about Mr. Sullivan’s responses is that he was, at least,  being candid. But his admissions also show that GB Salmon’s business case is a fabrication. GB Salmon’s projection of 15,000 metric tons of salmon annually is exactly that, a projection. Nowhere close to that  amount of salmon is being produced annually in land based aquaculture plants anywhere in the world.  And, if GB Salmon cannot meet its production goals, guess what will happen to its projections of jobs  and tax and economic benefits for the region? These promises are as unfounded and misleading as GB  Salmon’s production projections.  

Janice Jackson, the local council members, and Bill Walker may think that GB Salmon’s proposal is good for their re-election chances. It isn’t. The intake and outtake pipes that the mayor and council seem prepared to allow GB Salmon to put into Colpoy’s Bay are nothing more than a pipe dream!

Jan and Bill Woolfrey, Catherine Robertson and Marcus Kramer attendees at the Dec. 14, 2021 GB Salmon Information meeting and cottage owners on Colpoy’s Bay.

Message: I am concerned about many aspects of this proposal not the least of which is the lack of credible communication and municipal leadership. Also, I'd be very curious to obtain information on the impact on water temperature in the bay.

December 13, 2021 - the following is an open letter to Mayor Jackson and Council that was sent to us by a very concerned resident earlier this evening in response to last Thursday’s public information session.

Dear Mayor Janice Jackson and other members of the South Bruce Peninsula Council,

I attended the “information” session of the Georgian Bay Salmon Company (GBSC) on Thursday 9th December. As a newcomer to the area I am really taken aback by what appears to be a massive disconnect of elected leaders from the community they serve.

This session was one of the most disingenuous and incoherent presentations I have recently listened to. Given the apparent secretiveness of the process leading up to this first public event, I’m wondering if you and your council had an opportunity to vet this at all? Between the attempted marketing “pitch”, the lack of information, and the obvious disinformation it made me feel that the GBSC and our elected officials must believe local citizens are naive, unable to grasp what is really going on, or that we don’t really care. All of those assumptions are wrong!

Let’s start with some history as I am coming to understand it. GBSC (apparently owned by holding company GBIG) has been allowed to significantly move a high-impact environmental project forward without any consultation with this community and key stakeholders. They have been allowed to withhold all and any information asked by concerned citizens. This lack of transparency has apparently been sanctioned by our elected officials who have not been forthcoming with information either. GBSC’s excuse at the session was that until this point everything was proprietary and could not be shared.

Turns out the information is still not available. We were reassured that the GBSC management team has a combined 150 years of experience in this area. We were told there is lots of science around land-based fish farming. And for all that experience and apparent evidence very few of our questions got answered - from how much water they are “borrowing” (more on that later) and how much will be lost, to how much fish waste will be recycled, to what food the fish will eat, to impacts on water etc. etc. No answers - in fact the senior leadership team from GBSC seemed very content to lean back into a routine response - it’s early days for them, they are learning too and they are committed to sharing information with us as well as provide detailed answers to all our questions on their website once they have the facts!

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 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 Bay right? Without asking some basic questions? Really?

Of course one can’t help but be awestruck by the apparent economic benefits of this proposed aquafarm. Gerry Sullivan promises 250 full-time staff based in a main office in Wiarton after the initial hundreds that will be involved in the construction of the facility! The internships and training! The swelling of the tax-payer base! The boom in housing - these are not benefits to be sneezed at. But has anyone looked at the assumptions being made - do we have the talent pool he refers to? How will the internships work? What about the knock-on impact on home affordability as Wiarton and surrounding areas try to accommodate this growing population. Can Highway 6 support the volume of trucks needed to get the salmon to the market? Great problems to have but they need a solid plan as well.

One can’t help but be impressed by the market opportunity! This was an area the GBSC were very informed about and likely could have answered any question in detail. Market demand significantly exceeds supply and is growing. The increasing pressure on sea-based aquafarms will lead to further pressure on supply. Revenue and profit to be made at every turn. But we didn’t have questions about that; just this one! With all this opportunity and growth why was there no mention of the realities of our community with so many people living below the poverty line. How does this proposed venture help us elevate solutions to our current social issues? No answer!

Actually they didn’t come prepared to answer questions. This was planned as a one-way session - questions permitted only on their terms and after the session. It was only when I stood up, politely trying to ask a question and was quickly shut down by the MC that the community came out in full support with loud demands for our questions to be answered. Clearly this community has had enough of the closed door sessions you and your council have sanctioned and are now bellowing for answers. The optics of the session were even more interesting with the presence of two military-looking security guards (who hired them one wonders) apparently to keep the protestors in line (about six of them calmly holding signs at the front door).

What seemed to be missing (besides lots of facts) from the presentation was the whole marketing and distribution plan. Apparently a third party will slaughter the fish (I’d like more information about that for sure. And just one quick reminder these are FISH - that is living creatures not GOODs as per Gerry’s constant description. It would also be interesting to get the details on the distribution / transportation implications of this proposal. I’m sure the impact will be significant given the size and ambition of the planned operations.

Along the way there were some memorable platitudes which hopefully Mayor Jackson you took note of. “No fish left behind” said Gerry with a big smile on his face. Quick research reveals that another land-based salmon aquafarm has about a 5% death rate in its salmon population so maybe one or two do get left behind Mr. Sullivan. Particularly intriguing was Gerry’s frequent use of the phrase “borrowed water”. This refers to the millions of litres of water that the company will take from Colpoy Bay (by the way not returning all of it but that statistic was not forthcoming). Apparently the water it returns will be cleaner than the pristine water they took in the first place! I have to believe this was a slip of the tongue but the independent Aquatic and Environmental expert (I suspect hired by GBSC) ended with a grand finale statement that went like this “we are currently doing the studies to get the necessary approvals”.

Let’s be clear Mayor - this is a play for our beautiful cold, clear water! There are hundreds of other locations that are much better suited to a marketing and distribution salmon company with its sights set on the USA and Eastern Canada. Not that I would wish this industrial operation on any other community but let’s not be naive here.
I asked the question honestly “is this train out of the station?” Gerry Sullivan’s response was that it is significantly out of the station and down the track. I am not sure how an elected Mayor and council get to the point that they don’t believe their most important stakeholders get to weigh on this. You have an unnecessary fight on your hands and this is of your making. Perhaps there is a case for this venture but it has been very poorly made and very poorly managed. I would strongly suggest you put a hold on this pending more comprehensive consultations with the community as well as some independent studies that help inform our joint decisions.

This is not the dark ages. We are living in times that require us to be informed and be responsible custodians of our natural world and resources. Colpoy Bay has rights too and we are responsible for protecting these. There are many ways to make our community and food production more sustainable, more equitable and more economically sound. Let’s put our hearts, minds and energy to figuring that out together. Count me in as an active contributor in a more collaborative, transparent and co-create process!

This is the time for leadership! And there are those in this community who obviously believe in you! Do the right thing for us all and for the generations that will come after us.
Sincerely and hoping the session on the 14th is more productive, transparent and interactive.
Glynnis Rengger (a neighbour - Georgian Bluffs)

December 10, 2021
After GB Salmon’s first public information session Dec 9, 2021, more residents continue to voice their concerns on social media. Please be sure to to visit Bruce Peninsula Water Watch on Facebook and Instagram @brucepeninsulawaterwatch.

Photo of Tim Boosamra from GB Salmon during presentation


The current Official Plan for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula was drafted in 2001 and is currently due for a 20 year review:

“Monitoring the Official Plan
The planning period of this Plan is to the year 2021. Council, however, in accordance with the Planning Act, shall from time-to-time, and not less frequently than every five years, hold a special meeting of Council, open to the general public to consider the need for revisions to the Plan.”

I recently contacted the town administration seeking information regarding protocols for public involvement and input in the review process. I received the following response:

“The County of Bruce is currently undergoing a review of its Official Plan. You can use the link below to get more information. The Town of South Bruce Peninsula won’t being an overall review of our Official Plan until the Bruce County Plan is completed. I don’t have a timeline for our review at this time. I can’t speak to the methods of input however, any update to our Official Plan must include at minimum, the requirements outlined in the Planning Act for public notification and consultation. In the past for the Town, that has meant at least one public meeting/open house, notification in a local newspaper, notification on the Town and County website and the notices posted at Town Hall. As we haven’t undertaken our review, I unfortunately don’t have a detailed outline to provide you with regard to notice and timelines.”

My interest in the Official Plan was to seek clarification on zoning and definitions outlining planned and proposed development in the area, catalyzed by the proposed fish factory on Berford Lake Road.

Wording of The Plan demonstrates utmost concern for protecting the natural, rural and agricultural integrity of the area including provincially designated significant wetlands like those on the property at 83 Berford Lake Road.

Many excerpts from The Plan including the following are very concise in their intent to protect and preserve resources:

3. Goals and Objectives General

The following goals and objectives form the basis for the more specific land use and development policies contained in the following sections of this Official Plan. They provide a framework for directing growth in a logical and orderly manner while safeguarding the Town’s environmental and economic well-being.

A goal is a desired state which reflects the long-range purpose of the Plan and is related to a major area of concern. An objective is a short-range step toward the goal. It is concrete, realistic, action-oriented and attainable within a relatively short period of time. The achievement of an objective should move the goal closer to reality.

Based on a review of the planning, environmental and servicing characteristics of the Town and input from the general public, the following are Council’s long- range land use goals and objectives.

Agriculture

3.1.1 3.1.1 Goal

It is the agricultural goal of this Official Plan to preserve agriculturally-productive land and promote the expansion of the agricultural industry.

3.1.2 3.1.2 Objectives

1. To protect agriculturally-productive lands from the encroachment of incompatible land uses by restricting the location of non-farm residential, commercial and industrial development and by encouraging non-farm uses to locate in non-productive agricultural areas.

2. To maintain agriculturally-productive lands in economically-viable units by preventing their fragmentation.

3. To protect the viability of confinement livestock enterprises by preventing the encroachment of non-agricultural uses.

4. To promote ecologically-sound agricultural practices through the use of best management practices.

To protect Class 1 to 3 soil as established by the Canada Land Inventory, and Class 4 soils in areas accommodating viable agricultural operations. Town of South Bruce Peninsula 27 Ainley Group/February 2001 Official Plan Office Consolidation (January 2019)

Rural 3.2.1 Goals

It is the rural goal of this Official Plan to provide for agricultural uses and a range of non-farm uses while monitoring the agricultural/rural character and natural heritage features.

3.2.2 Objectives

1. To protect existing agricultural operations and good agricultural land.

2. To provide opportunities for rural businesses, park and country recreational facilities subject to amendments to the Official Plan and/or Zoning By-law so as to protect the rural character of the Town.

Environmental 3.3.1 Goals

1. It is an environmental goal of this Official Plan to enhance the quality of the natural environment through the establishment of development guidelines and policies to protect the Natural Heritage features of the Town, and minimize land use conflicts within or adjacent to environmentally-sensitive areas.

2. It is an environmental goal of this Official Plan to protect the health and safety of area residents by preventing loss of life and minimizing property damage due to flooding and erosion.

3. It is an environmental goal of this Official Plan to conserve and protect the natural and cultural heritage of the Town by establishing development guidelines and policies governing the preservation of significant natural/cultural heritage and archeological resources.

3.3.2 Objectives

1. To protect the ecological features and functions in the Town, including rivers and streams, valleylands, wetlands, wildlife habitat and linkages, fish habitat, woodland and Areas of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI’s).

2. To prevent development and/or site alteration on lands adjacent to provincially-significant wetlands, the habitat of threatened or endangered species, fish habitat, significant woodlands, significant valleylands, significant wildlife habitat or hazardous lands pending the completion of an Town of South Bruce Peninsula 28 Ainley Group/February 2001 Official Plan Office Consolidation (January 2019)

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) demonstrating that the proposed methods of remediating any potential impacts on these and/or cultural heritage features are satisfactory to the regulatory agencies responsible for such resources.

3. To prevent the occurrence of development on lands having inherent environmental hazardous such as poor drainage, inundation, flooding, erosion, steep slopes or any other physical conditions which could endanger life or property.

4. To ensure that any existing or potential adverse impacts of one land use on another are adequately investigated and mitigated as a prelude to new development, and that appropriate measures are taken to minimize or eliminate these impacts and/or afford protection against them.

5. To prevent development which would impair the quality of adjacent water bodies including surface water and groundwater resources.

6. To correct or prohibit existing or potential sources of pollution by requiring the application of standards established by the Ministry of Environment or other regulatory agencies.

4.1.1 Environmental-Wetland Areas

Environmental-Wetland Areas as delineated on the Schedules, identify Wetland Areas which require protection from disturbance and/or incompatible land uses. The Environmental-Wetland Areas include identified Provincial, Regional and locally- significant wetlands.

Wetlands are important because they maintain/improve water quality, act as a flood control and provide aquatic and wildlife habitat.

Wetlands may be seasonally or permanently covered with water causing the formation of hydric soils (soils in which there is an abundance of moisture) which results in a dominance of hydrophytic or water tolerant plants. There are four major wetland classifications, swamps, marshes, bogs and fens. It is the intent of this Official Plan that no development or site alteration, except for public works/uses required Town of South Bruce Peninsula 36 Ainley Group/February 2001 Official Plan Office Consolidation (January 2019)

Social and Cultural Heritage 3.5.1 Goals

1. It is a social and cultural heritage goal of this Official Plan to maintain the aesthetically-pleasing characteristics of the municipality and general quality of life.

2. It is a social and cultural heritage goal of this Official Plan to preserve natural/cultural heritage and archaeological resources.

3.5.2 Objectives

1. To identify and preserve significant historical and cultural buildings, structures, monuments and/or unique districts which reflect the rich past of the residents.

2. To promote/encourage the designation of significant heritage resources.

Development Form 3.6.1 Goals

1. It is a development goal of this Official Plan to encourage development in a manner consistent with and compatible with the demographic structure and social needs of the Town’s residents.

2. It is a development goal of this Official Plan to encourage a high-quality, varied and affordable supply of housing for all municipal residents. Town of South Bruce Peninsula 30 Ainley Group/February 2001 Official Plan Office Consolidation (January 2019)

3. It is a development goal of this Official Plan to enable compatible forms of growth in a manner which protects the Town’s natural environment and agricultural industry, while maintaining the general rural character and quality of life.

11.4.4 Environment

The Town of Wiarton is very fortunate to be located in a beautiful natural setting. The Niagara Escarpment and Colpoy Bay act as constant reminders of the importance of the natural environment and all it has to offer. Society is entering a new era where man's relationship with the environment is of paramount concern. In fact, much of Wiarton's economic potential is dependent upon the wise and careful use of the area's many natural resources.

11.4.4.1 Goals

a) Protect, enhance and where warranted, restore Wiarton's healthy environment by minimizing air, water and land pollution and by the wise use of the area's natural resources.

b) Recognize Wiarton's healthy environmental as being of central importance to the Community's sense of identity.

Though we have been pushing for answers to our many questions and the public information session that Georgian Bay Innovation Group promised in July, we have had no response other than rhetoric from the company, Municipal, Provincial or Federal governments to date. This project has been shrouded in secrecy on many levels since we first learned of it; however the author of an article which appeared in Ontario Farmer magazine this week appears to have been successful in obtaining information. Her article includes detailed operational plans (including taking almost 1.9 million litres of bay water per day and then returning almost 1.6 million litres of treated wastewater per day), and also included the following illustrations.

Map of proposed fish farm on Wiarton site

Conceptual design of plant, showing fish ‘ponds’ and water treatment

These images depict the industrial fish production facility 500,000 square feet in size (11.5 acres or 3.5 Costcos!) to be located at 83 Berford Lake Road. This project was presented to the mayor and council in a closed delegation prior to the purchase of the property last June. At that time they made a determination that it was in compliance with the existing rural-agricultural zoning. 

At the drafting of The Plan twenty years ago, Aquaculture was listed among the permissible land uses under the definition of agriculture. It is questionable that a project of this scale was even conceivable at that time, however the intent in The Plan’s drafting was clear enough…. If the wording in the 2001 edition Official Plan for the Town of South Bruce Peninsula was not expressed coherently enough that elected officials and planners could clearly comprehend it, provision must be made for more extensive guidance and meaningful input from the people who live here. 

In my opinion, Industrialized fish production appears to be an example of everything The Plan was drafted to dissuade and protect this area and it’s residents from. 

Dan Boisvert

Message: In the era of climate change and mitigation launching any new large scale/ industrial aquaculture project is putting your head in the sand. Drought, water shortages, flooding a contaminated water table, boil water advisories, increased costs to taxpayers are all in your future in addition to predicted climate disruptions. Large scale industrial is out! Small scale is in! Protect your life giving and beautiful resources! Do not move ahead with this project.

Message: Resident for 71 years, Colpoys Bay has been a pristine waterway for centuries and now for the sake of GMO fish factory you want to pollute our Bay. Shame on you!

Message: With the volume of water removed from the bay will the loss of microbiological organism's being also removed affect the food chain of our fish in Colpoy's Bay? We all remember the effect of Zebra muscles feeding on these organism's. The effect on our fishery was fewer and smaller fish for many years. As the muscles have been dyeing off our fishery is gradually improving. We certainly do not need this. The economic effect on our community will be much worst than gaining a few jobs.

Message: I strongly oppose the fish factory due to contamination, smell, lower property values and increased traffic to the area.

Message: I object!!

Message: I do not think an industrial fish factory is a good idea for colpoys bay I

Message: Sounds like a bad idea to me.

Message: Thanks for your work on all of this. I noticed something from the GBIG letter.
“at this time we are conducting environmental studies to ensure that there is no impact to the area or the water systems and will share these findings as data is collected and analyzed.”
I made a documentary about a scientist and I've learned a few things. Most notably, scientists conduct studies to find things - not to “ensure” things.

Message: I am new here, meaning this topic, but I have for the past 15 years, cherished the beauty of this area and desperately wish that nobody would ever bring harm to our home. I entered this arena of discussion and feel solely against this campaign for a fish farm. To understand the impact, my first action item was to read the assessments and the controversy regarding fish farms in B.C. Here is a province that appears to be shutting down their fish farms. It was an interesting read. We need to stop this threat!

Message: Why the demand for this fish factory? This is not farming….this is ecologically unsound…and as usual…the government is making decisions based on corporate coercion.

Message: No more fish factories!!

Message: A fish farm would be an atrocity

Message: Preserve the Bruce!

Message: This is crazy! That it could be that simple for such a large industrial project to be installed in the escarpment area, a supposedly protected zone in Ontario, along the as yet clean waters of Georgian Bay. Clean water is a HUGE resource in the world today. Look at how the mining industry has left huge areas of Canada ravaged by its digging and now in further peril due to containment ponds. Every industry has spills and accidents. This will be devastating to the whole of Georgian Bay, spawning grounds AND eventually to the water that people all around the Bay depend upon to drink. It is a huge risk with profits for the company involved, NOT the people who live here now and in future. Incredible that this is even being considered during this time of climate upheaval and worldwide water shortages- most caused by industry.

Message: I am thinking of the fresh water well that hundreds of people use daily at Berford Lake. I hope that this does not impact on the quality of this well and the well being of those who use it. We have a summer place at Hope Bay and are dead against this project. Perhaps nobody should every apply to work at this place. Where would they be then? No employees then no factory.

Message: This is disgusting! The people with the money shouldn’t have all the say, we have a right to enjoy the land and nature without having to fight with billions of dollars!

Message: No fish farming. It is destructive to the habitat.

Message: I don’t trust that it will not end up a disaster for the pristine waters of Georgian Bay. To allow this in a World Biosphere Reserve is mind boggling.

ReplyForwardMessage: I am disappointed to read about the proposed fish factory.

Message: Say no to this fish factory

Message: Since they have already purchased 200 acres it seems like Doug Ford has already given the go ahead. We don't want the worlds largest fish farm on the tiny beautiful bruce peninsula. The lakes should be kept healthy, for our natural fish, drinking water, and swimming.

Message: This is an outrage and will ruin the beautiful area if Cpoys bay. I am a tourist from the United Kingdom and would definitely be put off coming if I knew there was a large fish factory here!

Message: Say no to the fish factory! Protect our environment!

Message: I wholeheartedly endorse stopping this aquaculture facility on our beautiful peninsula to The bitter end.

Message: There needs to be a lot more information and public input before anything goes ahead.

Message: Stop the fish farm. Colpoys Bay is meant to be enjoyed for its beauty not to be taken advantage of. STOP THE FISH FARM.

Message: Such a beautiful area. Please don't spoil it with this huge factory.

Message: The next time I visit my former home, I would like to see a pristine, healthy Colpoys Bay. My experience with fish farming on Vancouver Is that this industry has no real concern for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Message: Colpoys Bay - This is our drinking water!!!! The proposed fish farm is absolutely ridiculous
Save our environment. Stop this nonsense.

Message: Please stop hurting our environment.

Message: Please stop Aquaculture!

Message: this will have long term affects on the area. please downsize

Message: Stop this immediately! ! ! The resource we have here on the Bruce is much too important to jeopardize without a thorough and transparent environmental study! ! !

Message: Let’s not build a fish farm. The waste would not only destabilize the ecosystem, but it would also negatively affect the local housing market.

Message: Our beautiful fresh water is a priceless resource. We must protect it. This could be disastrous for the health of the lake.

Message: I don't want treated water or waste water exchanges between Colpoys Bay and the fish factory in Bedford Lake area. Being the water is treated why don't they reuse the water for the fish again? The aqua system already has changed over the years and there is no reassuring new organisms from waste water won't affect beautiful Georgian Bay and Colpoys adjacent. Look at the invasive species list that's already a problem, we don't need anymore problems with our crystal clear waters here. Reduce, reuse, recycled water. If they don't have the technology for it then there is no point in moving forward with this project. It's 2021, there's no need to go back to old ways of using up valuable resources like water that's been in the Bay for millions of years. I grew up on Georgian Bay (Big Bay) and have noticed significant differences in the aqua system such as very little to no craw fish, no more green spotted frogs on the lawns and rocks, no more snakes like Gartner snakes, and less minnows in the same shore I grew up with over 43 years ago. There is also a lot of algae and not enough algae eating organisms to clean the waters naturally. I believe this will just be a South Bruce Peninsula money grab so Jackson can pay for her ideas such as coloured concrete and a smaller downtown core, which btw has created a lot of businesses to shut their doors while there is a pandemic. I have a lot more to comment on but will leave it at that for now.

Message: Hello, I've reached out before regarding signs etc and thank you for responding. In order to gain even more momentum I also have reached out to NatureCanada asking if there is a way to put national pressure onto the Fish Farm to stop it. They are a lobbying group and affiliated with other organizations and have watched other 'fish farm' situations with interest. I read about them in this article: https://thenarwhal.ca/gmo-salmon-canada/ I've signed your petition. Thank you for your hard efforts and energies on this important matter!

Message: Stop the fish farms in the Bruce Peninsula. Protect our water rights and cleanliness for future generations. No amount of money should be prioritized over the safety of future generations. Clean water is a birth right not to be sold off for profit.

Message: This will NOT benefit the lake, the environment/native species in the lake, nor the human residents. The big benefits will be for the company and shareholders - and that is WRONG.

Message: I am opposed to the potential dangers of warming of the lake by water returning warmer than the water temp was when taken… possible disease spreading and other pollutions from fish waste. I am opposed until we know about temperature and filtration of waste water.

Message: Fresh water now, more than ever needs to be protected.

Message: Stop this now. Help to keep Bruce clean and green.

Message: An environmentally sensitive eco system such as found in and around the Bruce Peninsula can not survive the impact of the fish factory pollutants. The pristine waters must be preserved at any cost. Saying no is the only logical choice.

Message: Fish farms are not good for anyone!

Message: The Bruce is immensely beautiful and it would be a shame to put such a huge man made project right here!

Message: Please do NOT allow this to happen. Terrible idea, the consequences will be awful.

Message: I am opposed to the proposed aquaculture facility.

Message: We need to protect our environment and our ecosystem. Do not allow this development to happen please

Message: Stop this unnecessary development in our beautiful area please!

Message: Fish farms are not good for anyone!

Message: My wife and I have been visiting the Bruce twice a year for 27 years. Your proposed Aquaculture project is yet another example of government officials privileging economic interests over truly human concerns. It is nothing less than immoral to advance projects such as this one advanced when we are absolutely aware of the horrendous difficulties we have already bequeathed to our children. I would ask that you not let productivity trump the most simple, basic human concerns.

Message: Please no fish farming!

Message: Keep our waters clean

Message: Not an appropriate activity for The Bruce. Environmental risk is too high, & potentially could lead to significant damage. Ideally, something of this nature belongs in a more "industrial" setting, such as closer to Lakes Ontario or Erie. The Bruce is a unique, pristine entity, of worldwide significance, that MUST protected.

Message: I have a cottage here and don’t want this here it’s beautiful the way it is

Message: Let's protect our waters for future generations!

Message: This possible fish factory will pollute and ruin the Bruce Peninsula. Shame on council and The MNR for even considering.

Message: Thank you so much for educating us on the proposed Fish Factory. My family has been cottaging at Berford Lake and Colpoys Bay for generations and my grandmother lived on the shores of Colpoys Bay for over 30 years.

Message: don't even think about polluting the bay,,,,, what is wrong with your brains ?

Message: I oppose the fish factory. This should NOT be happening in our pristine area. Those that are allowing this to happen are not looking out for the best interest of the Bruce Peninsula.

Message: My heart cries when I read about this proposal. I grew up on the shores of Colpoy's Bay and return every summer. Ultimately, increased industry on the peninsula will only kill off tourism which has the potential to be a clean and ecologically respectful industry if managed right.

Message: I do not agree with this fish factory. We have bought fish from Howels for many years and it is great. Why do we need a smelly fish farm?

Message: Don't build this factory and fish farm. The Georgian Bay is beautiful. Don't ruin it.

Message: Intensely farmed fish share many of the same problems as intensely farmed cows, pigs, chickens, etc. Because of overcrowding and a restricted and artificial diet, they grow fast but are unhealthy and likely to be loaded with toxins. To combat this they are fed antibiotics, and on and on. All the effluent flows back into (in this case) the lake. Inevitably small fry escape and can cross breed with, and can take over from the native local fish species and totally upset the marine environment, possibly irrevocably. There is an excellent and quite shocking video of the dangers of fish farming online; just Google “Farmed Salmon from Norway: The most toxic food on the planet”

Message: WHAT IS A FISH FACTORY FOR?.... TO EARN MILLIONS OF DOLLARS. WHAT WILL THE PEOPLE OF BRUCE PENINSULA GET?
1. WE ALREADY LOST 200 ACRES THAT THIS COMPANY WILL DESTROY TO BUILD THIS FACTORY.
2. WE WILL LOSE 50000 LITRES OF WATER AND PUT BACK DIRTY WATER WITH FISH BLOOD INTO COLPOYS BAY.
3. MORE JOBS. MORE PEOPLE. MORE HOUSES. MORE CARS. MORE DESTRUCTION OF FARM LAND.
4. EVERY YEAR PEOPLE COME TO VISIT LOOKING FOR A CLEAN, BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE WITH PEACE AND TRANQUILITY. WHAT THEY WILL FIND? SMELLY FISH AND DIRTY WATER. WHO WILL BE THE WINNERS? A FEW MILLIONAIRES. WHO WILL BE THE LOSERS? MILLIONS OF PEOPLE INCLUDING FUTURE GENERATIONS.
STOP, STOP GREEDY MILLIONAIRES!

Message: Against

Message: a thought to argue. If the water they are planning on treating and returning to Georgian Bay is so clean then why don't they reuse it instead of sending it back to the bay Less money for them if they don't have to pump it up and then pump it back. Smells Fishy to me

Message: We don't need a fish farm

Message: Definite concerns about the environmental impact.

Message Regarding Mayor Janice Jackson’s email to Mallory Beach Rate Payers Association:
It took the mayor SIX MONTHs to get around to writing that. The fact that every other house has a red sign should have been a clue that people are upset. And it's a "fish farm". Calling it anything else is just putting lipstick on a pig. Who is the "one man" she's referring to? I want to support that guy. 

Message: This factory will be terrible for the environment. 

Message: This should not be allowed; economic development without environmental concerns is stupidity! 

Message: I SUPPORT YOUR POSITION WE DO NOT NEED INDUSTRIAL FISH FARMS AND THE DEGRADATION THEY WILL CAUSE TO OUR PRISITINE WATERS OF COLPOYS BAY AND THAT OF GEORGIAN BAY. IN PARTICULAR COLPOYS BAY IS MOSTLY LANDLOCKED AND THE WATER EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN THE BAY AND THE MAIN BODY OF WATER IN GEORGIAN bAY IS LOW AND HAS NOT BEEN STUDIED AND QUANTIFIED. THANKS 

Message: Why destroy colpoy’s bay. Say no

Message: I unconditionally oppose the proposed Fish Factory. The environmental damage will be horrific ! 

Message: Will spread the word… hopefully this fish factory plans will be halted. Protect our waters!! 

Message: I applaud your efforts to stop this project. If there is an environmental impact statement by GBIG it may be interesting to review it. 

Message: Just another company putting profit over our natural habitat, and the livelihoods of local people. Just an all round bad idea. 

Message: Please do not allow this commercial fish operation! 

Message: This needs to be stopped!!!! This will bring more harm than good to our Bay. Message: Stop the fish factory!!!! 

Message: I am completely against this fish factory and the potential degradation of the water and ecosystem in the Bruce Peninsula. I urge our decision makers to stop this development. 

Message: An awful shame 

Message: Protect our water!

Message: is this a Canadian Company? 

Message: can projects like this threaten the Bruce peninsula’s designation as a UNESCO biosphere? 

Message: how could the mayor and council make a determination that this would comply with existing zoning without reviewing the company’s operating plans? 

Message: I do not support this fish factory! 

Message: This fish factory will be detrimental to the community and environment. Message: Please stop the fish factory from proceeding on this sensitive Bruce Peninsula 

Message: The creation of a fish factory would have have highbury impact the environment and the Bruce. This development must be stopped . 

Message: Fish farming has caused untold damage out west and has no place near a beautiful environment like Colpoy’s Bay. Let’s try to preserve what’s left of the nature of the Saugeen territory and waterways! 

Message: Please stop the fish factory protect our water 

Message: Stop the factory you will ruin the Bruce 

Message: This is beyond madness in all ecological respects. Do first nations have any input? Big money and construction shouldn't be allowed in a protected biosphere with the possible horrendous impacts on all forms of life. 

Message: Stop the fish factory! 

Message: I do NOT agree with this! You are going ruin one of the best places I spent my spring, summer and fall!!! I have now passed the tradition onto my daughter who has been lucky enough to enjoyed the SAME beauty Georgian Bay offered me and now her!!! She has been coming up since she was 2months old to her now 7 years of age. She loves it up here! We live in the GTA and come up here to see the beauty Georgian Bay has to offer. We love catching frogs, newts, and even fish with our nets almost knee deep in water. We loves looking at all the unique bugs and animals we no longer see in the GTA. Chipmunks being one of them. Destroying and/or tampering with your beautiful natural environment has so many foreseen and unforeseen consequences. Please rethink this decision, please!!!! 

Message: Stop destroying natural beauty and environment of Bruce Peninsula Message: I do not support this venture. Environmental impact study's on the water quality of Georgain Bay need to be published.

Message: Fight on! 

Message: You have my full support! 

Message: I don't want to have the impact of such a large scale operation on the beauty and peace of the Bruce ! 

Message: Please STOP the fish factory 

Message: Please stop the fish factory 

Message: Please don't destroy Ontario's most beautiful places with large scale industry. Message: Concerned Citizen. 

Message: we do not need anybody messing with our beautiful clean waters 

Message: I oppose the fish farm. Our waterways are the cleanest they have been in a hundred years and this seems like a step back not forward . Put it beside the nuclear waste site that we don’t want either !!!! Or hey put it beside the migratory bird killing useless windmills that we like to put it the direct path of migratory birds as they make there way across the lakes . This isn’t rocket science LEAVE OUR LAKES ALONE 

Message: Save georgian bay 

Message: This is a terrible idea! 

Message: I have enjoyed the pristine waters of Georgian Bay my entire life. First with my parents and as a camper, then with my husband and children and now each summer with my grandchildren. It has been our favourite holiday spot all year long and our grandchildren are learning to care about the environment by experiencing the beauty and joys of nature in this place year after year. 

We have watched over the years as more and more people come to explore this incredible spot. Please, please let’s do what we can to maintain its natural beauty. 

Message: I grew up at Oliphant and Colpoys Bay. I now have a home at Oliphant. I am 100% against the fish factory and it’s obvious environmental impacts. Please find another way to support the community growth such as turning it into a much needed arts hub drawing on all the tourists entertainment dollars. 

Message: Once again we have to fight to protect our environment, our water and our quality of life. Yes, I am sure this aquaculture facility will bring the community some money, however we will lose some too. Tourists come to this area for the crystal clear water, clean fresh air and peaceful surroundings. These are the very things we'll be giving up. Cottage prices could decrease because of smell and polluted water, therefore effecting higher tax base. 

Message: Not around the clean waters of Colpoys Bay! 

Message: This is extremely important for the ecology and health of the community. The effluent from this site will pollute the bay and perhaps the ground-water. There is significant risk to the commercial fishery of the Great Lakes watershed. 

Message: Stop this nonsense 

Message: Save the land and waters 

Message: This is totally unfair to everyone that lives in the area. Also all our visitors. 

Message: I am very concerned about the quality of water that will be sent back in Colpoys Bay. Wiarton is known for its fresh clean water. The pollutants from this size of fish farm will destroy our local ecosystem regardless of the quality of water being sent back into the bay. There is a reason fish farms of this size don't exist. Stop this nonsense before you wreck the town you are trying to preserve. 

Message: Please don't threaten this unique natural habitat and precious ecosystem!

Message: No Fish Farm on the Peninsula, please!! 

Message: Where are the environmentalists ?? Why has this project been kept undercover ? This project smells but not as much as this fish farm is going to smell up the area! 

Message: Please consider keeping our water cleaner and our land protected by forgoing plans to build this aquaculture operation in Bruce County. 

Message: I am very opposed to this development of a fish farm. The environmental impact will be detrimental to water quality, wildlife and the ecosystem in general. 

Message: Save Bruce Peninsula waters fromToxic pollution! 

Message: Stop this development. 

Message: Please fight to stop the destruction of the Bruce's beautiful environment!

Message: Keep industry in the industrial basin ( TORONTO) 

Message: I am in opposition to a proposed fish factory project for Colpoys and Georgian Bay. Please check into the fish farms of BC which was an environmental disaster for the areas but also for the fish population. Why would we ruin our beautiful peninsula? 

Message: I oppose to building a fish factory at Colpoys Bay or anywhere on the Peninsula. The wasting of so much taxpayers money on legal fees at Sauble. Now this, placing fish and waste water back in Colpoys Bay. Entire town of Wiarton and many other areas drink the water daily. I am ashamed of the current council and especially Mayor Jackson. Not sure what her / their agenda is but certainly not the every day resident and tax payer. 

Message: This development would seriously detract from tourism and future residential growth in the area, as the toxic fish waste, smells, and traffic increases don't mix well with summer vacationers or family life - a one-way ticket to property devaluation. 

Message: Don’t let them destroy the natural beauty of this area! 

Message: As a land owner and resident of Bruce Peninsula for over 50 years I very strongly protest the proposed Fish Farm that non resident developers have proposed for the Berford road area 

My protest is based on the following facts: 

1. There will be thousands of liters of waste water pumped back into Colpoys Bay that contains fish excrement, unknown chemicals used by the industry, antibiotics, unknown bacteria and viruses. 

2. This contamination of the fresh water of Colpoys and eventually Georgian Bay has a direct and immediate impact on the water quality. I pump and personally drink water from Colpoys Bay as do most of the citizens of Wiarton. Children swim in it at the town pool and beach. Why would reasonable people agree to contaminate such a vital essential resource and put people at risk . 45 years ago there was a major town and provincial concern when a simple study by a student showed the Wiarton waste treatment ponds where releasing vast quantities of algae into the Bay and an Algae Bloom was occurring in Colpoys Bay. This was a real black day for Wiarton as a so called Prestine Tourist Area. 

3. The Wiarton Fish Hatchery was closed many years ago because of high rates of fingerling death due to a virus and extremely slow rate of growth of fingerlings due to the very cold water of Colpoys Bay. 

This new fish farm will encounter the same problems and likely close after 8 years of struggle. 4. This is not really farming at all but is promoted as farming to have the whole corporate operation reap the benefits of farming under the Federal Income Tax Act. 5 . As a farm operation and a new venture the Corporation becomes eligible for very inexpensive loans from the Federal Business Development Bank and Grant's from Agriculture Canada. 

The developers have very little of their own money in the operation or even at risk.

6. The few jobs that this operation will create will not be of significance. There will be a couple of managers who will make a reasonable salary but the majority will be workers making minimum wage and who can be laid off at the whim of management. They will fall under the umbrella of farm workers who usually have only seasonal employment. An easy out for the Corporation when you wish to hire or lay off . 

7. When every other jurisdiction is getting out of so called fish farming for a variety of reasons it makes very little sense that this Corporation has reinvented the wheel and will show everybody how it is really done. After the failure there will be a highly contaminated Bay ,several hundred acres of messed up farmland, derilect buildings and structures left abandoned, and a few unemployed people with stories to tell their grandchildren about the fish farm. 

8. This statement number 8 is only speculation however if this venture is allowed to proceed I predict the following will happen. 

In 15 years someone will write a book telling about the rise and fall of the great fish farming venture on Berford Road. How there was great hope but how and why it collapsed and how the Federal and Provincial governments both lost millions of taxpayer dollars on the scheme. The venture was a failure from the start . 

The basics were never checked out properly and the whole premise was to make easy no risk money for the corporation under the disguise of a new industry for the area that will give great employmnt opportunities to citizens of the area. 

It might remind some people of making DeLorean cars in Nova Scotia, Boler Travel Trailers in Wiarton ,LUND boats in Manitaba, Jeeps in Windsor, combines in Brantford and diesel locomotives at EMD in London. The list goes on and on and on. They all have many skeletons in their closets. 

Let us not add this venture to the list . 

Message: Why was there no open forum online to gather community opinion. If there was a posting where and when?? 

Message: Hi, I am very concerned about not only the environmental impact of the water pumping but also the fact that fishing at such a high rate is highly unsustainable. I would like to get more information about the timeline of this project and maybe plan a demonstration? thanks! 

Message: OMG….this cannot be allowed to proceed. I would love to display a sign on my property. 

Message: Totally against this project.. 

Message: You have my support. I use my boat in Colpoy's. We don't need pollution. Also, I have seen large fish processing in the Maritimes where my folks lived. Not pretty. I will send Jackson an email to show distain.

Message: Good afternoon I live on Colpoys Bay ,and I’m not happy about this water being taking out of the bay and waste being out back in ! I definitely do not agree and want it stopped 

Message: Poop Farms on Salt or Fresh Water NOMORE 

Message: I am wondering if the company has disclosed the potential impacts of antibiotics used on the farmed salmon on the water and surrounding environment and also to clarify the water purification process before the water re-enters the lake for a transparent understanding of where all of the inevitable waste will end up? 

Message: We are, like many residents, are very disturbed at the prospect of such a large scale Aquaculture facility proposed in this community. I personally am very sorry I participated in a lengthy telephone survey about the future economic development of this area. I asked specific questions, to which I was told no specifics could be given, I just needed to rate my agreement or disagreement. At this time, just a matter of weeks ago, I had not even heard of such a proposal of this magnitude. I feel like the entire survey was a farce, based on my providing input with no specifics. I honestly regret the time I spent responding and officially annul all my responses to this survey. I question how a property zoned “agricultural" could ever even be considered for “aqua culture”. Despite assurances that nothing has been approved, this community has been placed in a most unfortunate position. Proposing such a facility negates the environmental and fragile ecosystem that the Bruce represents, and which residents respectfully defend. It also insults a community who feel that information has been withheld simply because requesting public input specific to this proposal was not forthcoming. Residents rightly question why investors would purchase such a property if there was not some certainty/ expectation that with time, approval would be met. 

There is much more to economic development than allowing consideration for a project that has the potential to have a major adverse environmental and negative community impact. There was once a sign as you headed north that reminded visitors they were entering a Unesco protected BioSphere. Perhaps it should be returned as a humble reminder of the good fortune this community has been blessed with. 

Message: How can I help. This is stupid. 

Message: I am a resident of Colpoys Bay against the proposal for an aquaculture facility at 83 Berford Lake Rd or any location that utilizes water from Colpoys Bay. While not surprised, I am appalled by the lack of transparency and consultation with the community. 

Message: We have a cottage at Old Mill Road (Oxenden). We use well water, and with our well at the water's edge our water isn't very good and needs UV, RO, etc. We drink bottled water. Municipal water is on our road but stops about XX residences west. We oppose the fish hatchery as it would add more pollution to the already stressed water situation. If this is approved, we would expect that Wiarton extend the waterlines to our cottage at their cost. And for them NOT to charge outrageous billing to recoup the costs. 

Message: This is dreadfully wrong. It is bad for our family and grandchildren. Please stop this project. 

Message: https://violationtracker.goodjobsfirst.org/parent/cooke-inc 

Message: No permits should be issued. Jackson is doing another back room deal. Did this company offer her a job or money? 

Message: Most of the residents along Mallory Beach Road get their water directly from Colpoys Bay. The potential for polluting the Bay would result in loss of enjoyment of their proporties. This project doesn't just smell fishy it smacks of corruption. 

We need to set up a fund and legal challenge to make sure the profitablity of such an endeavour is no longer attractive to the developers. 

Message: Terrible idea. Drawing that much cold water and return so called safe warm water will change the bay. Would like to know what the people living by their east coast operation think of the company, track record, environmental violations. If they are digging ponds which will leach in to the water table what happens to everyone's drinking water. I may be wrong but I believe there are two aquifers that flow from that area to the bay supplying water to the wells at Everett etc. Can't unseat Jackson fast enough. First Sauble then foisting a hotel on us instead of affordable housing and now this. 

Message: I share your opposition to this project. Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bay are unique in the world and important areas for plant and animal wildlife. There is literally no where like this … anywhere. I’m shocked by the people who don’t recognize this.  The peninsula has the largest remaining area of unspoiled forest and natural habitat in Southern Ontario and is home to some of the oldest trees in North America. The last thing it needs is industry - large scale development does not belong here. I don’t need to wait for further communication from the company. Any reasonable person would oppose this development. Around the world, fish farms have had a devastating impact on local environments.

Different types of fish farms pose different threats. One of the dangers of the proposed project is drawing large volumes of water and discharging back into local marine environments. Even minor changes - contamination by the organic material associated with large scale fish production, enrichment of the water column, toxins, antibiotics…even changes in water temperature - result in major changes in sensitive marine ecosystems. Fish farms can also transfer disease and parasites to native fish populations. 

Aquaculture sounds sexy and modern, but it produces a huge volume of waste, including fish excrement, uneaten chemical-laden food. 

Salmon farms in British Columbia were found to be producing as much waste as a city of half a million people. A 2-acre salmon farm produces as much waste as a town of 10,000 people. Not to mention the land-based destruction. An operation big enough to employee 200 people? How much green-space do they plan to destroy to benefit of their shareholders? Let me know if I can help. 

Message: This proposal is ridiculous. I am on the north end of Berford Lake 

Message: Please ask these questions: If there actually would be no contaminants in the water they plan to dump back into the bay, then why would they constantly need to get fresh water? Isn't there something wrong with the water they plan to put into the bay if they can't recirculate it and use it themselves?? Why should we receive waste water that they feel is too contaminated for them to use??? 

Message: feel free to contact me...I've been following the B.C. headaches over open pen problems for about 40 years..... This is lot more problematic than anyone would believe 

Message: If we already have a great fish farm business near here i don't see a need for another one. Also i agree this has been very hush hush which isn't ok. I live in purple valley and drive by colpoys bay everyday i can't imagine ruining our water. The water is low this year. 

Message: How can the ministry of natural resources just hand over a permit so quick? That other fish farm said it took years to get their business running. I will be looking for the petition and other information thank you




August 11, 2021
Dear Mayor Jackson,

As a resident of Meaford, and Grey/Bruce, I am horrified at this proposed fish farm. The permanent damage to Colpoys Bay and the surrounding area will impact every strata of life from the microscopic creatures to the humans. This must not be allowed to go forward. Our environment is under attack from so many thoughtless endeavours and greedy people, please do not let this happen to our beautiful bay. The list of concerns below are more than valid.

- The questionability of taking and returning over 50,000 litres of water daily from Colpoy’s Bay
- Construction of a 6” diameter pipe, laid 6’ underground from proposed site to Colpoy’s Bay
- All the unforeseen environmental impacts that may result
- Impact of increased commercial traffic
- 24 / 7 noise and odours
- Diminished values on adjacent residential and agricultural properties
- Impact of natural beauty of the Escarpment and Bruce Walking Trails and conservation areas in the immediate region.

Quality of life for residents and visitors to the area.

I repeat, please do not let this fish farm destroy our bay. 

Yours sincerely 
Michelle Merizzi 

On Aug 11, 2021, at 9:06 PM, Janice Jackson <mayorjanicejackson@gmail.com> wrote: 

Thank you for writing. 
We don't know any of those statements to be true.

In fact, we won't know the reality of any impacts on the environment until all of the studies and requirements of this developer have been completed and analized by the various Provincial Ministries as well as the First Nations. 

Until they have concluded their investigation on this project, no one can make any assumptions. If it is proven this development will harm the bay, this project will not proceed. Thank you for your input. 

Janice Jackson 
Mayor 
Town of South Bruce Peninsula 

From: michelle merizzi <mdmerizzi@gmail.com> 
Date: August 11, 2021 at 9:31:17 PM EDT 

To: Janice Jackson <mayorjanicejackson@gmail.com> 

Subject: Re: Fish farm Colpoys Bay 

Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I am very happy to hear that this issue is being taken seriously. Fish farms have devastated the pacific salmon populations, spreading disease and pestilences like Sea Lice, granted those are water based farms, there are still major potential consequences to a land based farm. 

Yours truly 
MIchelle Merizzi




July 28, 2021

Once again we have to fight to protect our environment, our water and our quality of life. Yes, I am sure this aquaculture facility will bring the community some money, however we will lose some too. Tourist come to this area for the crystal clear water, clean fresh air and peaceful surroundings. These are the very things we'll be giving up. Cottage prices could decrease because of smell and polluted water, therefore effecting higher tax base.

M. Rutherford

July 27, 2021

Is Georgian Bay Innovation Group seeking any form of Provincial or Federal funding for this project?

Time for Bill Walker to respond. Inquiries to MPP Walker's office by several concerned residents has yielded no conclusive answers. This article from 2019 discusses some of the changes to policy that may be helping facilitate the issuance of licenses and permits for Georgian Bay Innovation Group to set up in the area and may offer some explanation to their quick acquisition of an aquaculture license.

Ontario fish and shrimp farmers thank Ford government for championing aquaculture

August 29, 2019 — Article published on www.ontarioseafoodfarmers.ca

Cabinet ministers from the Ford government gathered today with 60+ fish and shrimp farmers to announce how they’re streamlining Ontario’s regulatory framework to help the aquaculture sector grow.

Minister Jeff Yurek (Environment, Conservation and Parks), Associate Minister Bill Walker (Energy), and MPP Mike Harris (Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry) shared the news at Cedar Crest Trout Farms in Hanover, Ontario.

The Ford government announced key changes that add business certainty, unlock loan and investment opportunities, and help the sector grow, including:

- Finalizing objectives for water quality for net-pen farms, on the industry’s request
- Extending aquaculture licences from 5 to 20 years
- Restructuring public land tenure from 5-year land-use permits to 20-year leases for net-pen farms

Ontario’s fish and shrimp farmers grow more than 100 million meals of eco-friendly protein every year. The sector has an economic contribution of more than $122 million, and provides jobs and prosperity to many of Ontario’s rural, northern and Indigenous communities.

“Aquaculture is one the sectors that is most dependent on our ability to keep our waters clean,” said the Hon. Jeff Yurek, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Ontario’s fish farming community are known world-wide for finding some of the most sustainable ways to operate, while ensuring there is minimal impact on the environment.”

“Aquaculture is already the fastest growing agri-food sector in the world,” said Susan Cole, president of the Ontario Aquaculture Association and owner of Cole-Munro Foods. “These changes carry our regulatory regime into the 21st century, and they bring us one step closer to realizing our goal of doubling fish and shrimp production in the province within five years.”

“Businesses like Cedar Crest Trout Farm play an important role in providing a quality food product for Ontarians and new economic opportunities for our region and province, and so I’m pleased to see our government supporting our local business and the aquaculture industry,” said the Hon. Bill Walker, Associate Minister of Energy. “I’m excited about the potential to significantly expand this industry, jobs and the economy.”

“Ontario fish and shrimp farmers are among the most sustainable producers of protein in the world,” said RJ Taylor, managing director for the Ontario Aquaculture Association and owner of Cedar Crest Trout Farms, where the announcement took place. “Ontario’s largest farms are certified and recognized internationally for their environmental stewardship and best management practices.”

July 23, 2021

This proposal for a fish farm in Bruce County is morally wrong. If Ms. Jackson and Councilors allow this to proceed, they will be leaving a terrible legacy. Toxins accumulate over time. Though the town of Wiarton's filtration system can remove particulates, the filtration system is not equiped to remove or cancel pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceuticals used to treat fish ills will accumulate over time and compromise the health of residents in the town of Wiarton. Another Walkerton!!!!

Gisela M.

July 21, 2021 - Local resident Dr. Roger Crane has submitted the following:

SVCA partners with NWMO to gather additional information about water resources | Owen Sound Sun Times. When concern elsewhere about water quality is foremost, South Bruce seems not to care

https://www.owensoundsuntimes.com/news/svca-partners-with-nwmo-to-gather-additional-information-about-water-resources/wcm/8931c878-c0bc-4068-9b7e-68c82c1e13e1/amp/

July 13, 2021 - Owen Sound Sun Times
Mayor's confidence in provincial oversight not shared

An open letter to South Bruce Peninsual Mayor Janice Jackson:

In an article by Denis Langlois entitled “Company conducting studies for proposed fish farm on peninsula,” you reassured the residents of South Bruce Peninsula that the province will protect our environment. The reassurances were similar to those you gave in a June 14, 2021, live radio interview with Claire Mccormack of Bayshore Broadcasting. In that interview you said, “The one thing that I can say from experience is the Ministry would not allow anything – a drop of contaminant to go into bay. I can tell you that right now . . . . ”

Surely Mayor Jackson you are joking? Surely you know that the Ford government, in the name of cutting red tape and supporting business growth, has been repeatedly passing legislation that undermines environmental and water protections?

Are you unaware, for instance, that as recently as June 11, 2021 the Ford government repealed regulations for nine major industrial sectors including pulp and paper, iron and steel, metal casting, chemicals, and mining? The regulations, in place since the mid 1990s under the province's Municipal-industrial Strategy for Abatement (MISA), set limits for direct discharges of conventional and toxic pollutants into Ontario lakes and waterways. The province's Environmental Commissioner's office has repeatedly called for the strengthening of these regulations. Instead, the Ford government has disposed of them completely.

Or perhaps, Mayor Jackson, you are unaware that in 2019 the Ford government removed the requirement under The Nutrient Management Act that nutrient management plans for agricultural operators (ie fish farms, etc.) be updated every five years? This requirement was designed to ensure that farm runoff did not harm water quality or threaten drinking water. The Ford government has removed it.

Perhaps, Mayor Jackson, you will say you didn't know of the public outcry over Schedule 5 of Bill 108, the More Homes, More Choice Act which passed into law on June 6, 2019. Schedule 5 of the bill amended the Endangered Species Act of 2007 with the government claiming that the amendments would “improve outcomes for species at risk”. Critics of the bill included 75 scientists from across the country, over 50,000 letter writers and phone callers opposing the changes in Schedule 5, 28 well known authors, musicians, artists, indigenous leaders, environmentalists, and business leaders, and numerous municipalities. In the letter dated May 29, 2019, and addressed to Rod Phillips (of St. Bart's fame) then Minister of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks, the 75 scientists wrote:

As scientists whose work consists of seeking to understand and address the needs of biodiversity, we can attest to the fact that Ontario is experiencing first-hand the habitat and species loss highlighted in the UN'S first comprehensive report on biodiversity, published on Monday, May 06, 2019. This report confirms our own growing awareness that the loss of biodiversity will accelerate through 2050, unless decision-makers drastically improve their conservation efforts.

It is for this reason that we are dismayed to learn that rather than bolstering efforts to stave off this loss, your government has chosen to take a considerable step backwards with the inclusion of so many amendments to Ontario's landmark Endangered Species ACT (ESA) in Bill 108 – an omnibus bill about housing.

And with so much informed opposition with legitimate concerns, did the Ontario government err on the side of the environment and the province's endangered species and amend Schedule 5 of the bill? They did not. Instead, despite demands for more public hearings and input, the Ford government limited debate on the bill in parliament to a single day. Yet, Mayor Jackson, you insist that you and we can trust this government. Did you not know?

And what of the Schedule 6 amendments to the Conservation Authorities Act of Bill 229, which the government approved June 8, 2021? Are you not, Mayor Jackson, aware of the widespread opposition to Schedule 6. The bills' opponents included members of the Greenbelt Council, non-partisan regulators, legal analysts, municipalities, NGOS and farmers, together with tens of thousands of Ontarians of all political stripes and walks of life. They have warned the government that the changes will let developers dump, build and excavate largely unchecked in high-risk areas, risking impaired water quality, property damage, and environmental degradation, and endangering public safety across the province. Perhaps, Mayor Jackson, you didn't know? Perhaps, you didn't know, for instance, that because of Schedule 6 of Bill 229, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) whose policies do not allow the destruction of provincially significant wetlands, is compelled by a provincial minister's zoning order (MZO) to issue a permit allowing developers to bulldoze a vulnerable 20-hectare wetland. The wetland is part of the provincially significant Lower Duffins Creek Wetland complex, one of the GTA'S largest remaining wetlands on the north shore of Lake Ontario. But perhaps, Mayor Jackson, you didn't know?

Lastly, what of the changes, with the stated goal of “reducing barriers and costs in the land use planning system” the Ford government made to the Provincial Policy Statement, Ontario's Primary Land Use Policy in May of 2020? Perhaps, Mayor Jackson, you didn't know that, among other worrisome changes, the Ford government's amendments allow aggregates extraction to trump existing protections for water tables and for wetlands, woodlands and wildlife habitat, including habitat for threatened and endangered species. Perhaps, you might talk to your fellow mayor, Sue Foxton of North Dumfries, who has been trying, to no avail, to get the province to prevent aggregate companies in her township from extracting below the water table. But maybe you didn't know?

The list above of legislative changes made by the Ford government which undermine environmental protections is not exhaustive. However, it makes it clear that this government is no friend to the environment and will put business development above all else. Maybe, Mayor Jackson, you didn't know? Or, maybe, like the Ford government, you are prepared to promote business at any cost?

Jan and Bill Woolfrey Colpoy's Bay

June 20, 2021 - To call fish operators “farmers” is spreading the manure too wide and far too thin.

“The real question is "Why Bruce?" "Why this particular area?" Several reasons come immediately to mind. In establishing a fish farm within Bruce County, business/operators need (1) comparatively cheap land accessible by big heavy equipment and transport trucks (2) an eager, perhaps uniformed municipal council, (3) several non-unionized individuals willing to work part time at a marginal rate (4) low interest rates and cheap government money and perhaps most importantly (5) free fresh cool water from Colpoys Bay. The latter is particularly important as these fish typically are grown and maintained in large, open water tanks. As temperatures rise with predicated climate change, the need for cool, fresh water is an absolute necessity. All of which, explains why "South Bruce" adjacent to Colpoys Bay is suitable for such operations. Of course, the fact that the local ecosphere, including the water source for the town of Wiarton, not to mention homes and cottages adjacent to Colpoys Bay will be compromised has somehow escaped members of council. 

We all belong to groups. We often choose a group. We attend school and thus make ourselves students. We buy or create a business and become highly respected business people. We are born in Ontario or move here and call ourselves Ontarians. We are often identified, rightly or wrongly, by the characteristics of the group with which we associate. But, to call fish farm operators "farmers" is spreading the manure too wide and far too thin. They are simply business people. Politicians, government inspectors, elected officials, even aqua business owners themselves -- all freely use the terms, "farm" and "aqua." Of course neither is correct nor appropriate. Aqua is just a bit of sweet short journalese. In each case, there is no large land tract, crop or cattle and the only thing that remotely resembles a "farm" is a barn-like structure or large open area to accommodate concrete growing tanks. Several can be seen along major highways in southern Ontario. Too often, university faculty and others researching aquaculture business forget or worse, blatantly ignore the systemic nature of our ecosystems, thinking only of monetary payoffs. 

It ought to be emphasized, too, that many municipalities in Ontario have recently either declined and said "no" or completely withdrawn options to firms and businesses drawing water from bays, local basins, creeks and rivers. It has happened around Guelph, and in Wellington county, Collingwood and Meaford, around Brantford and within the Grand River area. Councilors ought know or at least be aware that water is so very critical to the vitality of a local ecosystem, and they can too easy forfeit not only the beauty, but the very life blood of a community, itself. What would Wiarton be without Colpoys Bay? Water, for example, in the town of Milton has become an extremely previous commodity. Why? It's a question of supply. There just isn't enough of it. Accordingly, homes and businesses in that town are forever constrained. None of these examples should be taken as typical. But all of them happen often enough to illustrate the systemic nature of our fragile Eco biosphere.”

— June 20

“A concerned resident: 'Does council wish to again forfeit the future and environmental health of the region?’

June 19, 2021

“A biosphere reserve represents one of the world’s important ecosystems and is divided into three zones: a protected core zone (such as a park or wildlife area), a buffer zone around the core, and a transition zone that fosters sustainable economic and cultural activity. The World Network of Biosphere Reserves includes 686 sites around the world, 18 of which are in Canada. The network is part of the larger Man and the Biosphere Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Biosphere reserves are designated by UNESCO to help conserve biodiversity, demonstrate sustainable development and build the local community’s capacity to deal with human and environmental issues.

In my view, the council in considering an aqua farm is conveniently ignoring its potential impact on the biosphere and local ecosystem of the beautiful South Bruce Peninsula. Such an idea only serves the whims of multinationals based elsewhere. The council in checking historical photographs as well as local family histories will recall how business-minded lumber barons in Michigan ravaged the Bruce leaving barely a tree. Does council wish to again forfeit the future and environmental health of the region? That council would entertain the establishment of an aqua business with designs to draw precious, fresh-water from the local ecosystem is absolutely unthinkable. There is a case to be made here for clear thinking. Has council recently checked with the Great Lakes Commission and read the 2021 federal priorities for the Great Lakes? This fresh legislation recommends actions to Congress and the Biden administration toward revitalizing and protecting the Great Lakes environment. Jobs? Many, including myself, have worked in a canning factory, and know such work is typically low paying, back-breaking, part-time labour. Certainly similar employment on a proposed aqua farm offers precious little and hardly would sustain a family of three or four. Today, when environmental legislation round the world speaks to protecting and revitalizing the biospheres, this aqua idea is disgraceful and ill-founded. Council members voting for this venture will surely leave a troubled legacy.”

— Dr. Roger Crane

Message: “ I was up by the proposed Fish Farm site today on Beckons Lane and took a couple pictures while there. You will find attached two pictures to prove that construction has begun in its early stages of possible test holes and the orange markers are someone's survey markers. The MOE might find these pics interesting. The 3rd picture is of a beautiful Red Heron that will have to relocate if this Fish Farm goes ahead. Up to you but "one picture is worth a thousand words" if they are used on your website.”

A response regarding this issue and statement released:

June 16, 2021

“ Notwithstanding the fact that the mayor and council were fully aware of this project long before it was announced , there was no transparency and public input should have been invited long before now with so much at stake. There is no way in hell this project will ever become popular with the people on the peninsula. If this hadn't been uncovered, this release never would have been issued and the ongoing project would be that much further along.

Independent studies should be done and reviewed by others than those retained by this company. Is there any possibility we next learn they’ve been done, were submitted along with the operations outline provided to the economic development council and that the

project is moving ahead...the old “better to beg for forgiveness than ask for permission”scenario we all know so well. A request under the Freedom of Information Act should yield exactly the full extent of what was presented and never shared with the public...

Anyone that doesn't believe this is being pushed through should seriously reevaluate.

This whole thing stinks right out of the pipe and it hasn't even hit the water in Georgian Bay yet. Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be any happy endings with large scale aquaculture. This one hasn't even started and the clean up has already begun.”

— Concerned Local Resident

Contact with Mayor

One resident was successful in contacting the mayor and in response, posted the following to Facebook.

— Concerned Local Resident

Contact us.

If you have any further 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.

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!