Protect Little Lakes Area from Aggregate Mining

Raised:

$25,049

Goal:

$75,000

The Historic Ball’s Bridge and Little Lakes area is an irreplaceable natural treasure. Now, V.B. Sand & Gravel is proposing a massive open-pit mine that would devastate this unique ecosystem. We can’t let that happen. Help us defend it—donate today to support the legal and expert team we need at the second part of the OLT in May 2026.

For over a century and a half, the Historic Ball’s Bridge and Little Lakes Road area has been a favourite spot for families and children from Huron County and beyond, who come year after year to swim, to skate, to cross country ski, to fish, to canoe and kayak, to hike and to picnic. The area is breathtakingly beautiful and accessible to all. At its centre is the historic Ball’s Bridge, a Heritage site saved from demolition in 2005. A short hike away through prime agricultural land and forests, are the three Little Lakes, home to much wildlife. Encircling the entire area is the Menesetung (Maitland) River and its wildlife corridor. Joining all of these rare places in this ecologically sensitive area, is the Little Lakes Road.

In 2020, Van Bree Sand & Gravel applied for a license to operate an open pit below water level aggregate mine, just up from the bridge on Little Lakes Road. The proposed aggregate operation will eat up valuable agricultural land and destroy the interconnected ecosystem of wetlands, river valley, and woodlands with a number of rare and endangered species. The noise, dust and vibration pollution will drive away all existing species and inter-connected life forms, human and non-human. The enjoyment of the historic Ball’s Bridge will be severely eroded and will severely impact recreational tourism.

The community has been clear: we do not want this mine. In 2021, more than 3,000 supporters signed a petition opposing the rezoning of the Little Lakes property. Since then, community representatives have been standing firm at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), with the support of expert witnesses and a dedicated legal team.

Thanks to your generosity, we have raised $168,250 to support this fight. Because of that support, we have been able to keep the gravel company at bay for over five years — a massive and rare accomplishment that would not have been possible without our donors, volunteers, and advocates. Your support has already made a real difference. 

Now, the OLT hearing has been adjourned until May 2026. To carry us through the next six months and ensure we can continue to pay for our expert witnesses and legal team, we have set a new fundraising goal of $75,000.

We are asking for your help once more. This place — its history, its wildlife, its beauty, and its accessibility — is worth protecting for our children, their children, and the future of our planet. Please donate today and help us stay strong at the OLT hearing in the months ahead.