Our municipality of Elora…

Our municipality of Elora Centre Wellington has been extremely vocal in opposing the sale and use of our water to and by commercial bottling companies. We voted for and have a mayor - Mayor Kelly Linton who also opposed this use of our water. A high proportion of residents have posted signs on their property ot tied blue ribbons on our trees, which oppose the sale of our water. We have a highly organized group of concerned citizens called Save our Water, to help mobilize residents in being able to make our concerns known to the Ministry.

We appreciate that the Ministry Wants to hear from us. Water bottling companies do not have our support for permits for new and increased water takings (with an exemption for small businesses). Elora is growing exponentially and our need for water is also going to grow exponentially as a result.

A priority for water use is a must. Topping the list is the environment and municipal water, then agriculture and only then commercial and industrial water taking like commercial water bottling.

Attention must be paid to the cumulative effects of water-takers on a regional area or watershed. We must consider how we are going to manage the effects of climate change and water use and protect ecosystems including the rivers and streams, the flora, fish and fauna.

We appreciate that the Ministry proposes transparency. It’s essential that water taking and monitoring data be available to the public. An accessible database is important not only for water managers, conservation authorities, and water users, but also to ensure Indigenous and public involvement and participation in any issues and conflicts regarding water.