GET A CHARITABLE RECEIPT
BY DONATING ONLINE
E-transfer or Cheque
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS BELOW FOR DONATING BY E-TRANSFER OR CHEQUE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Making a Donation
If you are able to make a donation today we have a few options,
READ CAREFULLY PLEASE
1) No Tax Receipt needed by donor:
The Most ideal situation to keep ALL funds going directly to FOBBLL is to write a cheque made out to "Friends of Ball's Bridge & Little Lakes"
38270 A Little Lakes Rd, Goderich, On, N7A 3Y1
OR
E-transfer us using this email:
littlelakes.neighbours@gmail.com
This option above does not allow us to provide a charitable tax receipt BUT it ensures ALL of the funds go directly to our cause.
2) IF YOU NEED A CHARITABLE TAX RECEIPT YOU MAY USE THE ONLINE OPTION
(Note that not all funds go to FOBBLL this way due to processing and admin fees associated with online donations).
We appreciate ALL Donations and are so grateful for all of your continued support! WE CAN DO THIS BUT WE HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER!
Here are some common questions we get and answers to help you.
FAQ
Where is my money going?
Every dollar goes directly toward protecting Ball’s Bridge and the Little Lakes area. Funds are used to pay for expert reports, technical studies, and the legal support required to present a strong case at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)
(WHICH RESUMES DEMBER 1st)
Your donation ensures our community can stand on equal footing with a large aggregate corporation.
Isn’t this just making lawyers richer?
No — in fact, our situation is the opposite.
Our lawyer, David Donnelly, is not charging for his own time. He is only seeking payment for his staff’s hours (law clerks, junior support, and administrative work).
He has taken this case because he believes in the protection of this heritage and natural landscape — not for financial gain. Every dollar goes toward essential preparation work, filings, research, and coordination done by his team.
Why do we need experts?
The Ontario Land Tribunal relies on expert evidence — not public opinion.
To be heard at all, we must present reports from specialists in:
• hydrogeology
• ecology
• cultural heritage
• air quality
• traffic
• planning
These independent experts provide the scientific and technical evidence the Tribunal needs to evaluate the risks to groundwater, wetlands, the river, roads, and the cultural landscape.
Without these experts, our community’s concerns could not legally be considered.
Is the gravel company delaying this to make it cost-prohibitive?
It’s a common assumption, but in our case most delays were procedural, not caused by the gravel company.
Scheduling conflicts, turnover at the Tribunal, lack of
Indigenous group consultations, and procedural rescheduling have all contributed to the timeline stretching out.
Regardless of the cause, each delay requires more preparation, more filings, and more expert coordination — which is why our fundraising has had to continue.
But here’s the key point: we have stayed committed, organized, and united through every setback.
Why isn’t ACW footing the bill for all this?
A fair question — and one we hear often and ask ourselves a lot too.
Ideally, the Township of Ashfield-Colborne-Wawanosh (ACW) and Huron County would be actively defending their own planning principles and the interests of their residents. However, they chose not to play an active role at the Tribunal and have stated that they are remaining "neutral"....
Because of that, the responsibility for presenting evidence and defending the landscape has fallen to us, the community.
FOBBLL has stepped up because this land, this bridge, and this water matter — and we refuse to let them be overlooked.
Closing Note
Your support isn’t simply covering costs — it’s protecting heritage, water, wildlife, and one of the most beloved landscapes in our region.
Together we’re ensuring this community’s voice is strong, informed, and impossible to ignore.
There is a cost to every fight and we could use your help with printed materials, website and marketing promotions to increase awareness as well as planning and legal assistance when required.
We are raising funds to cover independent environmental studies and other expenses related to Planning and Legal issues as our case comes before the Ontario Land Tribunal.