Community & Labour Action

Caledon Councillors reach for the tap: The Caledon Enterprise

BY MATTHEW STRADER, ENTERPRISE STAFF

At the April 23 meeting of the Region of Peel council, a report was approved with a plan to minimize the use of commercially bottled water at Peel functions and facilities.

The move was almost retroactive for Caledon’s council.

“I don’t want to assume that we pioneered anything,” said Caledon Mayor Marolyn Morrison. “But, we don’t have bottled water at our council table anymore, and have stopped that for some time.

“And yes, this is the right thing to do.”

Certain incidents, most notably perhaps, the Walkerton, Ontario tragedy (when E. coli bacteria contaminated the Town’s water supply leading to the death of seven people, and illness reported by approximately 2,500 more in May, 2000) have raised public concern about the cleanliness of tap water, and resulted in increased sales of bottled water.

But the use of plastic bottles is a habit that has resulted in its own consequences, as environmentalists are now trumpeting the dangers of encouraging their everyday use.

“As a responsible government, we need to be aware of the consequences of our policy decisions. In the case of bottled water, we at the Region recognize the need to employ a variety of approaches that will address all environmental and health concerns,” said Regional Councillor Elaine Moore, Chair of the Environment, Transportation and Planning Services section of General Committee. “By encouraging staff and residents to choose tap water, we can promote awareness through education to reduce the reliance on bottled water and still support healthy lifestyles.”

Caledon’s Mayor believes that public education will raise awareness that tap water is a viable option, and that personal fears can be assuaged, as long as the right testing is performed.

“We can’t be talking about being environmentally conscious and continue doing things because it’s convenient,” said Morrison. “That water (Caledon’s tap water) is tested constantly by the Region, and we have it monitored. It’s as good as any water anywhere.”

As part of the report, Regional staff will now develop a public education plan meant to, “increase awareness of the quality and benefits of drinking Peel tap water, as well as a strategy to reduce reliance on bottled water at Peel facilities and corporate events,” said the accompanying press release.

As part of the campaign, the Region boasted information on two water treatment facilities they operate, which they have stated, continuously meet and or exceed all regulations set out in the provincial Safe Drinking Water Act.

“Peel has a Water Quality Master Plan that takes into account global regulatory trends and identifies the possible future risks facing the Region’s water systems,” said Dan Labrecque, Commissioner of Environment, Transportation and Planning Services. “Our master plan and ongoing infrastructure upgrades not only prepare us for future regulatory changes in Ontario, but ensure we consistently deliver high quality drinking water.”

For more information on the Region of Peel, call (905) 791-7800 or visit www.peelregion.ca