Help us stand up against environmental harm and ensure integrity in Prince Edward County!
This is more than a local issue – it’s a story of environmental destruction, corporate overreach, and government inaction that affects us all. When industry breaks the law and no one steps in to stop it, it falls on the shoulders of citizens to demand accountability, law-abidance and remediation. That is exactly what we are doing and we need your support to keep going.
The Situation
Since 2014, Picton Terminals (PT) has operated on Picton Bay, leaving behind a trail of environmental harm and legal violations.
Here is just some of what has happened:
- Toxic pollution: Within just 2 years neighbours faced excessive salt in their wells and toxic Petcoke blowing in their windows.
- Town-wide water shutdown: In 2017 Picton Terminals caused an oil spill necessitating shutting down the town water supply. Taxpayers covered the cost of clean-up.
- Ignored regulations: Multiple fines and orders have been issued by our Municipal By-Law officers, Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
- Indigenous voices ignored: The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte sent a formal letter to Council denouncing PT for failure to safeguard the environment.
- False promises: Salt storage structures promised by PT by 2021 have NEVER been built, however these imaginary structures were used as an excuse to excavate and sell tens of millions of dollars of limestone aggregate (no licence needed since they were ‘building’).
- Backroom deals: In 2022, our Council was heeding the will of the people when it made charges and started court proceedings. Just a few months before the court date, our Council changed their minds and met behind closed doors to discuss a ‘settlement’. The public only knows that an agreement passed just marginally, basically ‘passing the buck’ to the province, with a possible MZO that will in effect give this business a hugely expanded footprint and free rein with NO monetary benefit to this community.
- Litigation halted: A strong private litigation against PT was suddenly TERMINATED by the Crown, however we do not believe that the reason for termination will hold up under legal scrutiny.
Why This Matters
If this can happen in Prince Edward County, it can happen anywhere. When corporations violate laws, harm communities, and escape accountability the consequences ripple beyond our shoreline.
We are fighting back to protect our land, water, and community, and to show corporations like Picton Terminals must be held accountable.
How You Can Help
We are raising funds to help continue our legal fight and pursue justice through the courts. Every dollar goes toward legal fees, expert testimony, and ensuring the truth is brought to light. Donate today to protect Picton from illegal mining and be part of this action for justice, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment.
