Conservation authorities in the Raisin-South Nation region are inviting public comments on proposed updates to the Local Drinking Water Source Protection Plan which was established in 2014. This document, developed under the Clean Water Actpresents strategies to protect water sources that supply municipal drinking water systems.
This Plan includes local-level policies that address drinking water risks for 26 municipal drinking water systems in the Source Protection Region which covers an area of approximately 7,000 km2 in Eastern Ontario. The latest updates were led by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and focus on threats to drinking water related to the storage of salt, snow, fuels, materials from agriculture, waste and wastewater.
Staff worked with the ministry and the Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Committee to prepare policy updates for public comment. The Committee is made up of representatives from the public and the agricultural and commercial/industrial sectors. The draft policies were reviewed by partner municipalities and implementing agencies and were provided directly to property owners located in vulnerable drinking water protection zones where the policies may apply. Now that the draft policies have been subject to pre-consultation with potentially affected parties, the draft amendments are available for the public to provide feedback.
“Community feedback is essential as we work together to update the spring protection plan,” said Ray Beauregard, chair of the Raisin-South Nation Spring Protection Committee. “These policies are designed to ensure safe and abundant drinking water for our municipalities today and in the future. »
The draft Source Protection Plan, along with a summary of proposed policy changes, can be viewed at: www.notreeaupotable.ca/consultations. Residents are encouraged to provide feedback using online forms or schedule an appointment with their local conservation authority, in person, online or by phone, to provide feedback directly.
The public consultation period will be open until January 31, 2025.
“Collaboration with the public and municipalities is essential to creating a source protection plan that is both effective and equitable,” said Jason Symington, Raisin-South Nation Source Protection Region project manager. “The policies we propose focus on preserving clean and safe drinking water, without imposing undue burden on local communities. Where risks cannot be completely eliminated, we will work together to implement risk management plans to minimize potential threats to our drinking water sources,” added Symington.
For more information, visit: www.notreeaupotable.ca/consultations.
