Saugeen Ojibway Nation Says Hope Bay Diesel Cleanup Moving at "Unacceptably Slow Rate"
SON says a leaking residential heating oil tank caused Hope Bay contamination and challenges Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks' determination that the site is "contained."
The Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) says a residential heating oil tank that leaked in March 2026 is the source of the diesel contamination at Hope Bay, and is publicly challenging the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) over the pace and oversight of the cleanup.
In a May 12 update, SON said the tank was filled in March and later found to have leaked into the surrounding ground. Contamination has since spread beyond the property to the shoreline and waters of Hope Bay. SON did not identify the property or its location, and described the leak as unintentional, saying the homeowner reported the spill to the proper authorities.
The MECP has assumed jurisdiction over the incident. Cleanup to date has included excavation of contaminated soil and the deployment of containment booms and absorbent pads along the shoreline and a nearby creek by both the SON Environment Office and an environmental response team.
SON challenges “contained” determination
According to SON, during a daily site visit on May 8, the engineering company overseeing the cleanup told SON that remediation would be paused over the weekend and that the MECP had deemed the site “contained.”
SON said it has requested clarification on how that determination was reached.
“There remained clear evidence of contamination, including visible oil sheens, odour, and the continued risk of contaminants spreading into Hope Bay and connected waterways,” SON said in the update.
SON said it is “extremely alarmed by the pace of remediation efforts and the apparent lack of urgency and oversight being applied to this incident,” and that cleanup is moving at “an unacceptably slow rate.”
Given the location of the contamination, forecasted rainfall, and the potential for runoff, SON said remediation should continue without interruption until the risk of contaminants entering or spreading in the water is eliminated.
SON did not name the engineering company overseeing the cleanup.
Ongoing monitoring
The SON Environment Office and Nawash Fisheries has promised to continue daily monitoring, maintain shoreline containment measures, and support cleanup efforts. SON said diesel contamination can affect fish, aquatic plants, invertebrates, water quality, and the broader aquatic food web.
Community members are advised to limit contact with the water and shoreline in the affected area while remediation continues.
SON’s update does not identify the property where the leaking tank is located or the volume of diesel released.
The Owen Sound Current has submitted questions to the MECP regarding the basis for the “contained” determination, the status of remediation, and the ministry’s response to SON’s concerns. This story will be updated when a response is received.
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