REFLECTING ON PAST ACHIEVEMENTS: DISMANTLING AN ILLEGAL DUMPING GROUND

When nature is burdened by human misuse, the damage spreads—and so do the solutions. In 2011, Algoma Highlands Conservancy turned its attention to a long standing crisis beside Robertson Creek

HIDDEN THREAT

IN OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

In 2011, Algoma Highlands Conservancy confronted one of its most pressing local challenges: an illegal dump site directly beside Robertson Creek. What should have been a pristine waterway was instead burdened by garbage, scrap metal, and tires — pollutants that not only scarred the landscape but also posed long-term threats to water quality, wildlife, and the surrounding forest.

THE CLEANUP EFFORT

With support from the Ontario Community Environment Fund, and the dedication of AHC volunteers and community partners, a massive restoration effort began. Over several days, crews removed:


  • 🗑️ More than 100 bags of garbage
  • ⚙️ 7,180 pounds of rusting metal debris
  • 🚗 54 discarded tires


This wasn’t just waste collection — it was the removal of an entire illegal dump site, giving the creek and surrounding forest a chance to recover.


To prevent future dumping, “No Dumping” signs were posted at the site and a partnership with Sault North Waste Management Council  was initiated to educate promote proper disposal options in the community. 

WHY IT MATTERS

The materials removed posed serious, long-lasting risks:


  • Tires: Tires left in waterways can leach harmful chemicals like heavy metals and petroleum by-products into the soil and water.  Without removal, a tire can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.


  • Metal debris: Rusting machinery and scrap metal release contaminants, alter soil chemistry, and can physically block water flow. Over time, sharp, jagged pieces also create hazards for wildlife and people.


  • Household garbage: From plastics to appliances, these materials fragment into micro-pollutants that can enter the food chain, threatening aquatic life and larger species that depend on them.


By removing this waste, AHC and partners reduced ongoing sources of pollution, restored a natural feature, and ensured that Robertson Creek could continue functioning as a healthy ecosystem.

MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER

Illegal dumping remains a challenge across northern Ontario. By reflecting on past achievements like the Robertson Creek project, AHC reaffirms its commitment to land stewardship, ecological integrity, and community partnership.


💚 Protecting land and water today means dismantling threats — and protecting them for generations to come.

Our lands feature a vast network of trails that are accessible year-round for low impact and non-motorized recreational activities. These trails offer a chance to discover the diverse landscapes of the Algoma Highlands, including the distinctive scenery of Robertson Cliffs and King Mountain.