As of April 1, 2021, new legislation requires that a water bottling company can apply to the Province for a new water permit provided a resolution is passed by the local host municipality in support of that water permit. Our municipality has declared by unanimous resolution that it is not a willing host community for any new permit for water taking for bottling. We see this as a major achievement.
We have many people to thank for this: our mayor and council, our MPP Ted Arnott for setting up meetings, the hydrogeologist Garry Hunter who recognized the threat to our water system, the folks at the Ministry who decided a moratorium on water bottling was needed, Mike Schreiner, leader of the provincial Green Party who took us to the legislature, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Jeff Yurek, for proposing the municipal veto, and all of the many ally groups for their support.
After nearly seven years, we haven’t lost a drop to Nestlé Waters or BlueTriton. This pause in activity seems an excellent opportunity for us to say look how far we’ve come, and thank you.
The community embraced the cause with a collective voice and vision, and legislative change happened.
But mostly we want to thank YOU.
For all the help and support you gave along the way. For organizing and participating in fundraising events, signing the petitions, attending the marches, putting up lawn signs, buying t-shirts, tying blue ribbons, showing up for the public meetings, donating, volunteering at the market, making the trip to Queen’s Park, and so much more.
You made all the difference, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Unfortunately, it’s still not over.
The new legislation means a water bottler can still apply to take up to 379,000 litres per day without municipal support. For us this exemption would still be too much. So, we still need you to stay engaged. Stay vigilant. And be ready for the next step.
But for now, let’s acknowledge the achievement.
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See images of YOU and the community at work here.
GROUP HUG!
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P.S. Save Our Water is hosting a community thank you on Saturday, May 14, at the Bissell Park Pavilion from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Click here for more information!
