No donation is too small and all donations are gratefully accepted!

Overview:

The Township of Sables-Spanish Rivers in northern Ontario has a long, proud history as an agricultural community. Now, over 1,000 acres are under threat by a proposed industrial solar project. Solar panels do not belong on productive soil.

The Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) 2024 states: "Planning authorities [the township] are required to use an agricultural system approach, based on provincial guidance, to maintain and enhance a geographically continuous agricultural land base and support and foster the long-term economic prosperity and productive capacity of the agri-food network."

The township's own Official Plan says: "The intent of the Plan is to protect the long-term future of agriculture by recognizing the importance of Canada Land Inventory (CLI) Class 2-4 soils and by permitting a full range of on-farm diversified and agricultural-related land uses in prime agricultural areas as well as within the Rural Area and shall include specialty crop areas where designated using guidelines by the Province."

The Problem:

The lands where the industrial solar project will be constructed have ample protected soil, as per the Canada Land Inventory. The lands are actively farmed and also contain Natural Heritage Features, including a cold spring with fresh drinking water. This area is diverse habitat to many Species at Risk.

Municipal and provincial directives say that this land is to be protected; however, the township is not adhering to the policies and protections laid out by its own Official Plan or the PPS, even though PPS guidelines should have come into full effect on any planning decision made after October, 2024. Council's decision to pass a municipal support confirmation took place on August 13, 2025 -- well after the PPS should have come into effect.

Strong Opposition:

Of the 3,200 residents in Sables-Spanish Rivers, polls indicate that over 90% are opposed to this project. A petition has over 2,000 signatures against. The Massey Agricultural Society, Manitoulin-North Shore Federation of Agriculture and the Birch Lake Residents' Association have all submitted letters of opposition.

Council is not responsive. We are now ready to take the next step to ensure that the township properly fulfills its obligations.

How You Can Help:

No donation is too small. All monies will go towards legal consultation and professional advisory fees We will be transparent in how these funds are disbursed by providing full documentation.

Contact:

If you would like more information, including supporting documents, media, etc, we would be happy to share with you.

Please contact us through our dedicated group email: SaveNorthernFarmland@gmail.com