To the Editor,
The sudden appearance of TC Energy’s drilling rig off Meaford’s shore was a shock. From my cottage, I saw it arrive just days after a flyer was quietly dropped in my mailbox. Was this timing meant to inform me—or to ensure I wouldn’t notice?
Many residents are still trying to make sense of the rig’s presence. Some assumed TC Energy’s preliminary testing might reveal important truths. But I’m not in favor of the pumped storage project. My concerns go beyond the environmental risks posed by the project—even the preliminary testing phase presents serious threats. The drilling itself can disturb sensitive lakebed ecosystems, affect water quality, and disrupt aquatic life. But what troubles me most is the lack of transparency.
TC Energy distributed a postcard mere days before the rig appeared—yet the barge and equipment clearly required weeks of planning and coordination. Some residents have even speculated that the barge may have been shipped from overseas, though this has not been confirmed. Regardless of its origin, the timing raises serious questions: Why wasn’t this communicated earlier? Why wasn’t the nature and scope of the geological testing explained to the public in advance? These omissions have left many residents feeling blindsided and excluded from decisions that directly affect our shoreline, our water, and our future.
It’s also worth noting that Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has twice rejected TC Energy’s proposal, citing poor value for ratepayers and the availability of more cost-effective, less environmentally invasive alternatives like battery storage. Yet the company continues to push forward—with government backing and no meaningful community consultation.
Save Georgian Bay (SGB) is a group of concerned citizens working to fill the void left by elected officials who have not adequately informed or protected our communities. Our goal is to raise awareness, demand accountability, and ensure Georgian Bay is not sacrificed for a project that lacks public support and environmental justification.
This work takes time, energy, and resources. To raise awareness, SGB is holding an Anchors Away flotilla protest on Saturday, August 23rd at 11 a.m. in Meaford. If you care about protecting Georgian Bay, please register and donate to support this vital advocacy.
Your voice matters. Let’s protect the Bay we all love.
Sincerely,
Lino Zita, Meaford
