TORONTO – About 40 people from the local Save Our Water organization headed to Toronto in a snowstorm last week to have their voices heard at Queen’s Park.
They brought with them a 3,500 signature petition, and delivered it to Green Party Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner, who used the opportunity during Question Period to present the petition and grill the environment minister on his position on water taking permits.
The Elora group wants the province to put an end to water taking by large corporations for bottling purposes and specifically does not want Nestlé Waters to get a permit to take water from the Middlebrook well in Elora.
“Now is the time for the government to put their words into action,” Mike Pride, a member of the local group, said at a press conference outside Queen’s Park on Feb. 27.
“Our objections are grounded in fact. Three studies show that Centre Wellington’s drinking water supply is at high risk.”
“It’s not just about our town. It’s about all towns and the wise management of water,” Jan Beveridge, another Save Our Water member, said at the press conference.
During Question Period, Schreiner asked Rod Phillips, the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, if he’s prepared to make permanent the temporary moratorium the province put on water taking permits.
Review pending
Phillips said a third-party review will be released in a couple of weeks and the government will make its decision based on that.
“Going forward we will ensure that water is protected, and people will be happy,” Phillips said.
“We will make sure the decision will balance the economy and the environment.”
Pride said the citizen group will read the ministry’s report when it is released and figure out its next steps after that.
“Save Our Water will continue to keep the spotlight on this issue,” he said.
“It’s a big issue for our community.”
