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.

Junked furniture and debris scattered in a wooded area, including broken cabinet panels and a white washer door
Rusty scrap metal piled on a flatbed trailer in a wooded outdoor area.

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.

Shallow forest stream with clear water flowing over rocks, surrounded by lush green trees

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.