On November 26, 2015, Ontario approved the Grand River Source Protection Plan. The Plan will take effect on July 1, 2016. This is the 22nd and final source protection plan ("SPP") that Ontario committed to implement by 2015. The 22 SPPs cover an area of Ontario where over 95 per cent of the population lives. Municipalities and companies should take note of this development to help prepare for their potential responsibilities and opportunities under Ontario's drinking water source protection regime.
Please also see our articles "Ontario Source Water Protection Plan Approval Update" dated February 19, 2015 and "Ontario Approves Mattagami Region Source Protection Plan" dated April 16, 2014.
Source Water Protection in Ontario
Ontario implemented the source water protection program under the Clean Water Act in 2006 to protect sources of drinking water. The source water protection program and the Clean Water Act were enacted following the Walkerton tragedy. In May 2000, at least seven residents were killed and thousands were rendered ill by a tainted water supply in Walkerton. The source water protection and planning process is funded and directed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and municipalities, and supported by regional conservation authorities. SPPs identify risks to municipal water quality and water supplies based on technical studies, policy initiatives, and extensive public consultations. SPPs outline policies and programs that will help to manage, eliminate and prevent significant threats to drinking water.
The 22 final SPPs that Ontario has approved cover the following areas.
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Julia Paillé, Student-at-Law assisted with the preparation of this article.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.