A peaceful protest to draw attention to the effects oil refineries and chemical companies are having on the environment attracted about a hundred people to Sarnia’s ‘Chemical Valley’ Friday afternoon.
Demonstrators began their march at Rainbow Park and stopped at Imperial Oil, Suncor and Shell, before ending at Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Organizers say they are concerned about the health and safety of residents in an area considered to be the most polluted in Canada.
Protester Ken Maness says “I would just like everybody to realize that…we’re here for the environment, we’re here for the people and we all want clean water.”
Ada Lockridge adds “We care, we want to breathe clean air, we want to feel safe in our homes and it can be done but industry has to do that.”
Demonstrators were also speaking out against plans for a reversal of Enbridge Line 9, which runs from Sarnia to Hamilton.
The National Energy Board granted approval for the reversal in 2012, but residents are concerned.
Nora Chaloner of the Council of Canadians says they’re hoping to “Bring more attention to the issue of the risk that’s being borne by Ontario because of the possibility of having this pipeline…there will be a spill somewhere and it will affect water.”
‘Chemical Valley’ accounts for about 45 per cent of the pollution in Sarnia, and area residents and members of the Aamjiwnaang First Nation say they will continue to fight until the city and oil companies make changes.
