Save Our Water calls a proposed moratorium a great step in the right direction, but not the last step for local residents.
The group is now offering assistance to individuals wanting to generate online support of the Ontario government’s proposal to impose a two-year moratorium on new or expanded water takings from groundwater by bottling companies.
The moratorium will provide much needed time for research, consultation and for municipalities and regions to catch up to the new water reality and the effects of climate change on ground water supplies in local planning, says Jan Beveridge, of SaveOurWater.CA.
“The moratorium is what we asked for, says Beveridge, but she’s quick to note, “this story isn’t over.”
In the short term, SaveOurWater.CA is asking residents register their support for the moratorium at www.ebr.gov.on.ca
As announced on October 17, the proposed two-year moratorium will apply to every water bottling facility that takes groundwater and is required to have a permit under the Ontario Water Resources Act, including Nestle Waters’ Canada proposed water-taking at the Middlebrook site.
At this stage, the moratorium is just a proposal, reminds Elizabeth Carlaw. “We need to support the proposal, and an official stance from our council is an important part of that. That is why the unanimous vote by mayor and council for councillor Kirk McElwain’s resolution on Oct. 31 was so important.”
The moratorium proposal on the EBR was posted by the government on Oct. 15.
SaveOurWater.CA is asking residents to show their support of the proposed changes and the moratorium by making comments on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry. The deadline for comment is Dec. 1.
The group contends this issue has implications for the local aquifer, private wells, municipal water, watershed management, provincial water taking policy, Places To Grow, county growth planning, and federal resource mapping and international trade policy under NAFTA, TPP and CETA.
Those interested can find the help to post comments on the group’s Facebook Page, facebook.com/www.SaveOurWater.CA or on its website SaveOurWater.CA.
The group is also offering in person help at The Fountainhead in Fergus and Ashanti in Elora.
Online: At www.ebr.gov.on.ca enter Registry Number 012-8783, under ‘notices’ click on the registry number, then on the right-hand side click on ‘Submit Comment’
By email: to moecc.waterpolicy@ontario.ca Please include Registry Number 012-8783.
By letter: Please include Registry Number 012-8783
Leo Luong, Manager, Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, Environmental Policy Division, Land and Water Policy Branch 135 St. Clair Ave. W., Floor 6, Toronto, ON M4V 1P5
Send your comment to the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry
Workshops are being offered in Elora at Ashanti on Nov. 25 from 5pm to 7pm; Nov. 28 from 9 to 11 am and Nov. 29 from 1 to 3pm.
