For Immediate Release
The introduction of the Clean Water Act is an important step toward ensuring safe drinking water for all Ontarians. Saugeen Conservation, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and Municipality
of Northern Bruce Peninsula are encouraged by the government’s support of source water protection planning.
“While we haven’t had a chance to study the legislation in detail, we are pleased that the government has taken the significant step of introducing the legislation,” said Doug Freiburger, Chair of
Saugeen Conservation, the lead agency in the local source water protection partnership.
“Water is critical to all aspects of our lives. The Clean Water Act will provide an important framework for local planning on how best to protect sources of drinking water such as rivers,
lakes, streams and groundwater,” said Mr. Freiburger.
“Significant attention and resources are essential to guarantee enough clean water for Ontarians now and in the future,” stated Dick Hibma, Chair of Grey Sauble Conservation Authority. “Water
quality and quantity are vital to both human and economic health.”
“Each municipal council in our planning region has received a presentation by our local technical team,” stated Mayor Milt McIver of the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. “I would
encourage councillors and the general public to learn more about this important initiative.”
Conservation Authorities are this province’s leading watershed managers and have a strong track record of partnering with municipal, provincial and federal governments in developing practical
solutions to watershed issues.
Since the tragedy at Walkerton in May 2000, Conservation Ontario and its member Authorities have worked with the province and other stakeholders, including municipalities and the farming
community, to provide expertise in developing the best approach to source water protection.
Conservation Authorities currently deliver a variety of watershed management programs to improve water quality, reduce flood and erosion damages, provide an adequate water supply,
protect natural areas and biodiversity, and provide environmental education to watershed residents. Because they are structured on a watershed basis, Conservation Authorities are able to
co-ordinate and streamline local delivery of water management and source protection activities.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Ellingwood, Communications Specialist, Saugeen, Grey Sauble, Northern Bruce Peninsula Source Protection Region, at (519) 376-3076 x. 246 or e-mail d.ellingwood@greysauble.on.ca
Jim Coffey, General Manager/Secretary-Treasurer, Saugeen Conservation at 519-364-1255 or e-mail j.coffey@svca.on.ca