Friends of Ball's Bridge & Little Lakes -Fobbll

05/26/2026

Dear supporters,

The Ontario Land Tribunal hearing has now concluded (Insert loud audible sigh from all of us!!)

Yesterday’s closing arguments went very well for FOBBLL — and David Donnelly delivered. He brought the evidence together powerfully, professionally, clearly, and with the passion this place deserves.

While the hearing itself is now over, the process is not quite finished. Written closing arguments are due over the next month. After that, the Tribunal will review all submissions and take time to make its decision. That could take several months, and possibly longer — even up to a year.

So now, we wait.

But while we wait, we also need to recognize something important: regardless of the final outcome, this community has already achieved so much.

Because of this fight, there are now protections, conditions, commitments, and awareness that did not exist before. In general we have won because we have:

Five and a half years of delay in stopping the pit from moving forward- there would be a pit already if it wasn't for all our efforts as a community

More than 4,000 petition signatures and support from across the province

Close to $200,000 raised (only a few thousand more needed

A strong network of community response

A huge increase in public awareness about gravel mining in Huron County

And perhaps most importantly, a community that has come together to protect a place we love

We have held bridge lightings, puppet hikes, concerts, community potlucks, information sessions, education nights, children’s nature hikes, turtle walks, frog-singing events, art hikes, open mics, and more. We have shown what it looks like when a community refuses to look away.

FOBBLL is now planning events at Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes to celebrate the end of the OLT hearing process and to honour everything this community has done and to thank all of you for standing with us all this time. Please stay tuned for updates about upcoming events, including a bridge lighting and concert, as well as our annual spooky walk. If anyone would like to help us organize or volunteer we are always grateful for this kid of support too!

We also need to be honest that we still need support to finish paying the experts and legal team who helped get us this far. If you are able to make one more donation, it would help us close this chapter responsibly and ensure the people who carried this case with us are paid.

Donation information is below.

Thank you for standing with Ball’s Bridge, Little Lakes, the Maitland River Valley, and this community. Whatever happens next, this has mattered. And it still matters.

With gratitude,

Friends of Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes

DONATION DETAILS:

If you are able to make a donation today we have a few options,

READ CAREFULLY PLEASE

#1 BEST FOR FOBBLL's Cause- No Tax Receipt needed by donor:

The Most ideal situation to keep ALL funds going directly to FOBBLL is to write a cheque made out to "Friends of Ball's Bridge & Little Lakes"

54 Courthouse Square, Goderich, On, N7A 1M5

OR

E-transfer us using this email:

[email protected]

This option above does not allow us to provide a charitable tax receipt BUT it ensures ALL of the funds go directly to our cause.

IF YOU NEED A CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT YOU MAY USE ONE OF 2 OPTIONS BELOW-

NEXT BEST FOR FOBBLL- less fees - Mail a Check Made out to "Small Change Fund"- IMPORTANT- put on the "note" line of check these exact words: "Protect Little Lakes Area from Aggregate Mining" and Mail to:
Small Change Funds
747 Manning Avenue
Suite 200
Toronto, ON
M6G 2W5

OR

DONATE ONLINE VIA CREDIT CARD (This has the highest processing fees associated with it)

https://smallchangefund.ca/campaign/protect-little-lakes-area-from-aggregate-mining/

(Note that not all funds go to FOBBLL this way due to processing and admin fees associated with online donations).

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 ...

05/26/2026

Have you got your limited edition print from Elizabeth's Art Gallery yet? https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/friends-of-balls-bridge-and-little-lakes-fobblls-shop

05/25/2026

LAST DAY OF THE OLT IS 10:00 AM MONDAY, MAY 25— Please Tune In: https://meet.goto.com/278736685

After years of work, months of preparation, many long hearing days, expert testimony, cross-examinations, community evidence, and countless hours behind the scenes — we are now at closing arguments.

The hearing resumes tomorrow (Monday May 25) at 10:00 AM.

This is a historic and important moment for Ball’s Bridge, Little Lakes, and the Maitland River Valley. It is the final opportunity for the parties to pull the evidence together and make their case before the Tribunal.

And yes — we will get to see David Donnelly in action.

FOBBLL’s legal counsel will deliver our closing argument last, which is a strong position to be in. It means we will hear the other submissions first, and then David will have the final opportunity to speak to the evidence, the issues, and why this place matters.

This is exciting. It is dramatic. It is important.

We strongly encourage supporters to tune in tomorrow, even if only for part of the day. Your presence continues to matter. It shows that this community is still watching, still engaged, and still standing together right to the very end.

Tomorrow at 10:00 AM. Closing arguments. Final hearing day.

Please see the hearing information below.

THANK YOU TO ALL DONORS SO FAR! We are also still short by approximately $5,000 and would be deeply grateful for any donations to help us finish paying the experts and legal team who have helped us bring a strong case to the OLT and get so many WINS for our community.

Donation information is posted below.

Thank you for continuing to stand with Ball’s Bridge, Little Lakes, and this community.

Friends of Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes

Join the hearing here:
https://meet.goto.com/278736685

Access Code: 278-736-685

Audio-only telephone:
(647) 497-9391
or Toll-free: 1-888-455-1389



DONATION DETAILS:

If you are able to make a donation today we have a few options,

READ CAREFULLY PLEASE

#1 BEST FOR FOBBLL's Cause- No Tax Receipt needed by donor:

The Most ideal situation to keep ALL funds going directly to FOBBLL is to write a cheque made out to "Friends of Ball's Bridge & Little Lakes"

54 Courthouse Square, Goderich, On, N7A 1M5

OR

E-transfer us using this email:

[email protected]

This option above does not allow us to provide a charitable tax receipt BUT it ensures ALL of the funds go directly to our cause.

IF YOU NEED A CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT YOU MAY USE ONE OF 2 OPTIONS BELOW-

NEXT BEST FOR FOBBLL- less fees - Mail a Check Made out to "Small Change Fund"- IMPORTANT- put on the "note" line of check these exact words: "Protect Little Lakes Area from Aggregate Mining" and Mail to:
Small Change Funds
747 Manning Avenue
Suite 200
Toronto, ON
M6G 2W5

OR

DONATE ONLINE VIA CREDIT CARD (This has the highest processing fees associated with it)

https://smallchangefund.ca/campaign/protect-little-lakes-area-from-aggregate-mining/

(Note that not all funds go to FOBBLL this way due to processing and admin fees associated with online donations).

05/24/2026

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYu8C0zv1a4/?igsh=MWczbHdzb3gyb3FxdQ==

05/23/2026

🌎🐢 World Turtle Day at Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes 🐢🌿

The Maitland River valley is more than a beautiful view — it is living habitat.

In and around Ball’s Bridge, Little Lakes Road, the wetlands, riverbanks, valley lands, and surrounding natural areas, turtles are part of the quiet magic of this landscape. Some are large and ancient-looking, like the Snapping Turtle. Some are small and easily missed, like the Spotted Turtle. Others, like the Midland Painted Turtle, Northern Map Turtle, Blanding’s Turtle, and Wood Turtle, remind us just how rich and sensitive this ecosystem really is.

Turtles need clean water, connected wetlands, safe nesting areas, undisturbed shorelines, and protection from road mortality and habitat loss. Many take years — even decades — to reach breeding age, which means the loss of even one adult turtle can have a serious impact on local populations.

This World Turtle Day, we’re celebrating these remarkable animals and the habitat they depend on.

Please watch for turtles on roads, especially near rivers, wetlands, gravel shoulders, and nesting areas. Move them safely across the road in the direction they are already heading, never relocate them to a new area, and never lift a turtle by the tail.

Protecting Ball’s Bridge and Little Lakes means protecting more than scenery. It means protecting a whole web of life.

🐢🌿 Slow down. Look closely. This place is alive.

Help us STOP the Little Lakes Pit which would bring even more habitat destruction to these sensitive animals.

05/23/2026

WE JUST HIT 1000 FOLLOWERS!
Thank you for being here with us!

05/21/2026

OLT Hearing Continues TODAY- Thursday at 10:00 AM — Please Tune In: LINK HERE:
https://meet.goto.com/278736685

Dear Supporters ,

The Ontario Land Tribunal hearing is still underway and will continue TODAY Thursday morning at 10:00 AM. We expect the day to run until approximately 5:00 PM, with breaks throughout.

Yesterday, we heard from FOBBLL’s air quality expert, Mr. Doug Lyons. Mr. Lyons gave clear, fair, and compelling testimony about the air quality concerns connected to the proposed pit. He explained the importance of air quality monitoring using specific monitoring devices to ensure public health and safety. He was an excellent witness — calm, measured, and clear, even under tough cross-examination.

Tomorrow, we expect to hear from our ecology expert, Ms. Sarah Mainguy. She will speak to the natural heritage issues, including why setbacks greater than 30 metres are needed to help protect endangered species habitat. Her evidence will focus on the turtles and other wildlife in the area, and why stronger buffers are necessary if this pit is allowed to proceed.

We also expect that some of our lay witnesses may be heard, including Kathy Young and Mr. Matt Maaskant. Depending on timing they may be speaking today or tomorrow. Their testimony will speak from their own lived experience and observations related to the remaining issues of air quality and natural heritage.

We also are very much looking forward to our amazing lawyer David Donnelly's closing arguments but we are uncertain of when this will be! We will let you know as this is definitely something you don't want to miss!!

This should be an important and interesting day. We strongly encourage supporters to tune in, even if you can only listen for part of the day or keep the hearing on in the background. Your presence matters. It shows that this community is still watching, still caring, and still standing together.

We are also still short by approximately $7,000 and would be deeply grateful for any donations to help us finish paying the experts and legal team who have carried this work so far.

Donation information is be posted below.

Thank you for continuing to stand with Ball’s Bridge, Little Lakes, and this community.

Friends of Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes

Join the hearing here:
https://meet.goto.com/278736685

Access Code: 278-736-685

Audio-only telephone:
(647) 497-9391
or Toll-free: 1-888-455-1389

With gratitude,
Friends of Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes

DONATION DETAILS:

If you are able to make a donation today we have a few options,

READ CAREFULLY PLEASE

#1 BEST FOR FOBBLL's Cause- No Tax Receipt needed by donor:

The Most ideal situation to keep ALL funds going directly to FOBBLL is to write a cheque made out to "Friends of Ball's Bridge & Little Lakes"

54 Courthouse Square, Goderich, On, N7A 1M5

OR

E-transfer us using this email:

[email protected]

This option above does not allow us to provide a charitable tax receipt BUT it ensures ALL of the funds go directly to our cause.

IF YOU NEED A CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT YOU MAY USE ONE OF 2 OPTIONS BELOW-

NEXT BEST FOR FOBBLL- less fees - Mail a Check Made out to "Small Change Fund"- IMPORTANT- put on the "note" line of check these exact words: "Protect Little Lakes Area from Aggregate Mining" and Mail to:
Small Change Funds
747 Manning Avenue
Suite 200
Toronto, ON
M6G 2W5

OR

DONATE ONLINE VIA CREDIT CARD (This has the highest processing fees associated with it)

https://smallchangefund.ca/campaign/protect-little-lakes-area-from-aggregate-mining/

(Note that not all funds go to FOBBLL this way due to processing and admin fees associated with online donations).

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 ...

05/19/2026

Join in now to listen to the OLT hearing.

Join the hearing here:
https://meet.goto.com/278736685

Access Code: 278-736-685

Audio-only telephone:
(647) 497-9391
or Toll-free: 1-888-455-1389

Meet whenever you’re ready. Connect on any device, collaborate in real time, and do your best work together, all on GoTo.

05/19/2026

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow, Tuesday May 19 at 11:00 AM, the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing resumes. Last Friday we heard from the planners and this next few days we will hear from Air Quality Expert, Doug Lyons about why air quality monitoring is so important for gravel pits and we will hear from Sarah Mainguy about why a significant buffer is needed to protect endangered wildlife.

This is our final hearing stage, and after months of difficult and stressful mediation, the issues are now very focused. We have worked incredibly hard to get to this point — and now we need our community with us.

Please join the hearing online if you can. Even if you are not able to actively listen the entire time, having supporters present on the call matters. It shows that this community is still here, still watching, still caring, and still standing together.

This visible solidarity is deeply important.

Join the hearing here:
https://meet.goto.com/278736685

Access Code: 278-736-685

Audio-only telephone:
(647) 497-9391
or Toll-free: 1-888-455-1389

We are still short funds of what is needed to pay the expert witnesses and legal team who have helped carry us this far. If you are able to make a donation at this critical point, it would make a real difference. Please see below for donation options.

Thank you for standing with us the Friends of Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes, and this entire community. Together we can make a difference!


With gratitude,
Friends of Ball’s Bridge & Little Lakes

DONATION DETAILS:

If you are able to make a donation today we have a few options,

READ CAREFULLY PLEASE

#1 BEST FOR FOBBLL's Cause- No Tax Receipt needed by donor:

The Most ideal situation to keep ALL funds going directly to FOBBLL is to write a cheque made out to "Friends of Ball's Bridge & Little Lakes"

54 Courthouse Square, Goderich, On, N7A 1M5

OR

E-transfer us using this email:

[email protected]

This option above does not allow us to provide a charitable tax receipt BUT it ensures ALL of the funds go directly to our cause.

IF YOU NEED A CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT YOU MAY USE ONE OF 2 OPTIONS BELOW-

NEXT BEST FOR FOBBLL- less fees - Mail a Check Made out to "Small Change Fund"- IMPORTANT- put on the "note" line of check these exact words: "Protect Little Lakes Area from Aggregate Mining" and Mail to:
Small Change Funds
747 Manning Avenue
Suite 200
Toronto, ON
M6G 2W5

OR

DONATE ONLINE VIA CREDIT CARD (This has the highest processing fees associated with it)

https://smallchangefund.ca/campaign/protect-little-lakes-area-from-aggregate-mining/

(Note that not all funds go to FOBBLL this way due to processing and admin fees associated with online donations).