Journey To Bake-Lite

Today I decided to take a trip out to the old site where the remains of Bake-Lite lie. Bake-Lite Thermosets began operations in the 1939 post war. The factory specialized in resins and plastics.

In the 1970's it was realized that environmental controls were necessary for unchecked pollution. The managers of Bake-Lite scrambled to hide and dispose of hazardous materials. The materials were dumped, hidden and buried on the property and land in and around the plant by employee's at the request of the managers. There were 100's of barrels buried on the land that eventually broke down and leaked poisons into the ground and surrounding waters. Once the company had been caught the plant was shut down, that was in 1992.

To this day there are still barrels buried that are breaking down or have yet to. The entire area (land and waters) is completely contaminated.

Bake-Lite was demolished in 2005.

On December 2nd 2008 the owner of Bake-Lite James Sinclair, Demolition and Recycling Inc. were fined a staggering price totaling $659,000 altogether. Mr. Sinclair also received 4 months in jail.

The clean up price of the site is far too expensive for the government, municipality or Quinte Conservation to pay for so for now it is uncertain whether the problem will ever be fixed.

Along my journey I seen some furry friends, it's saddening to know they will most likely meet an untimely death living in such a contaminated area.

It is beyond me why the demolition crew left so much behind on the property. It was like they hauled off 3/4 of the building then just left the rest behind. It was quite interesting to say the least.

Anyone wanting to visit this site please remember to dress accordingly and do not take any pets with you, it's also quite a hike. Took me about 40 minutes to reach it.