The first ever Waterstock is taking place on June 11 from 12 to 5pm at the Erin fairgrounds, presented by the Wellington Water Watchers and Riverfest Elora.
“Waterstock is the rallying point to send a strong message to Premier Wynne to protect our water against corporate control and exploitation,” organizers state.
“Inspired by the Foodstock and Soupstock events, Waterstock promises to be a bold, impactful, and a historic day full of artisanal food and beverage, music, artistic displays and protest.
“Waterstock will be the tipping point, a ‘watershed’ moment, demonstrating broad and far reaching support for the ‘Water for Life not Profit’ campaign.”
Performers at Waterstock will include:
– Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo;
– Bry Webb of The Constantines from Guelph;
– Reuben Bullock Of Reuben and The Dark from Toronto;
– Band of People from Guelph; and
– Harrow Fair including Miranda Mulholland (formally of Great Lake Swimmers) and Andrew Penner (Sunparlour Players).
Tyler and Alex Mifflin of the TV series The Water Brothers (TVO) will offer an informative discussion about the human relationship with water. In addition to live music and guest speakers, Waterstock has invited over 25 chefs from across Ontario to be ambassadors in “the fight for our regional water rights,” organizers say.
The chefs will offer “protest inspired” culinary delights.
“The battle for water rights goes hand in hand with the protection of our farmlands and local food sovereignty,” organizers continue. “Chefs are the gateway from the country to city and are natural stewards of our farmlands and aquifers.
“With powerful endorsements from Chef Michael Stadtlander, Ruth Klahsen of Monforte Dairy (Stratford) and Food Laureate Anita Stewart, Waterstock has set its sights on crafting a powerful culinary statement.”
Also joining are chefs Jason Bangerter of Landon Gall, David Sider of Redstone Winery and Shea Robinson of Miijidaa Cafe and Bistro.
Waterstock will also feature artistic installations and a children’s area with crafts and performances.
In the spirit of “eco-activism,” patrons are encouraged to bring their own plates, cutlery and reusable festival beer cups.
Tickets for Waterstock are $10 and are available at ourwaterstock.ca.
The issue
“Nestlé and other large corporations have exploited outdated provincial water taking bylaws that were originally intended for agricultural and value-added industrial use,” organizers explain. “Water is sacred but is becoming rapidly commoditized, ‘bottled’, and shipped around the planet for great profit, (to return, if ever, to our watersheds packaged in a piece of plastic.)
“The record drought of 2016 highlighted the urgency of the situation and how 2017 is the year to make a stand for water.”
They say over 20,000 Ontarians have spoken clearly in support for the province to take action.
“It is time to take a stand and be stewards of our farmlands and aquifers,” organizers state. “Your participation is essential for success.”
