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July 17 2009 In this Issue 
If you are a member, please consider a special donation to support Ottawa Riverkeeper programs. Or please consider becoming a member.  Want news and issue updates about the Ottawa River watershed delivered to your inbox?  Know someone who might be interested in our newsletter? Click here to forward this email to up to 5 friends at once. Questions, comments or feedback? We'd love to hear from you, please use our contact form or call our Pollution Hotline at: 1-888-9KEEPER |
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Toast to tap water! City of Ottawa tap water is rated one of the safest in the world. 
Selling out? Aquablue Inc. to export local water for profit There’s trouble on-tap in Smiths Falls. On June 1, 2009 Aquablue Spring Water International announced plans to move in to the former Hershey Canada plant, with the intention of bottling municipal water for foreign export. The news came as a relief to some after the community of 10,000 suffered a series of devastating economic losses; the closure of the Hershey plant, the forced shut down of a local health facility, and downsizing in the packaging/paper industry. Thanks to a positively spun press conference, the promise of new jobs and creation of a “major (local) industry” many are singing praises – even the Mayor is on record as “delighted”. So what’s the big deal? It’s hard to know where to begin. The opening of this bottled water plant should be raising alarm bells According to research from the Polaris Institute, an advocate for municipal tap water, Aquablue and its partners focus on exporting to foreign markets including the Middle East, China and India. Water is arguably our most valuable resource. Canadian municipalities are already facing water shortages and the predictions for future domestic water resources are gloomy. Canadian watersheds are supposed to be protected by federal and provincial prohibitions against transferring water out of a water basin. Read more... Ottawa Folk Festival bans bottled water 
Ottawa Riverkeeper is proud to be an official Environmental Partner of the Ottawa Folk Festival. Festivals across the nation are moving to adopt greener, more sustainable event plans and so we're thrilled to have this festival - one that has continuously demonstrated its commitment to the environment and our communities - here in our own backyard. In 2009, Ottawa Folk Festival will ban the sale of bottled water on-site. We're excited to be a part of this ground breaking initiative to promote municipal tap water and to take a stand against bottled water. In Ottawa, municipal water systems are among the safest and strongest in the world. Meanwhile bottled water costs more, is less regulated, consumes more energy and releases more harmful toxins into the environment than tap water. Please drop by the Ottawa Riverkeeper booth to learn more and to pick up the guide "10 REASONS TO SAY NO TO BOTTLED WATER". Get your Folk Festival tickets today! Here's a selection of relevant articles from around the watershed, and news on important environmental policy and legislation. For more information, please visit the news section of our website. L’eau du nord: blue gold - National Post Ont. slacking over sewage oversight, says report - CTV News AECL provides update on NRU activities - Ottawa Riverkeeper News Harper stumbles in face of global water crisis; Canada must get its act together - Edmonton Journal Bill Clinton Woos Waterkeepers - Epoch Times
Take Action: Pollution Hotline 
Our toll-free pollution hotline (1-888-9KEEPER) is a great resource to learn more about the Ottawa River and to report pollution or development in your local area that may be impacting the aquatic system. With no management authority or governing body for the Ottawa River, people are turning to Ottawa Riverkeeper to help them become stewards of the river and to provide information about the health of the river. Next time you see something “fishy,” make sure to give us a call! Learn more... 10 things you can do for your river 
Download the guide: 10 THINGS YOU CAN TO DO PROTECT YOUR RIVER! The Ottawa River is the lifeblood of our community. It provides drinking water, supports a range of species and ecosystems, sustains economic activity, is a world-class destination for recreation, and is an important piece of our history and culture. Protecting the health of our river is in the best interests of all people, and all communities! Special thanks to the team at Character Creative, who designed this brochure. 
July 28: Volunteer Information Session August 12: Casting for Clean Water Fishing Tournament (presented by Trailhead and Ottawa Riverkeeper) August 21-23: Ottawa Folk Festival - tickets on sale now! September 27: Kettle Island Clean Up VOLUTEERS NEEDED! Ottawa Riverkeeper is seeking dynamic and reliable volunteers to help out at upcoming events. Please visit our website for more info.
I want to drink municipal tap water but I have concerns about some of the compounds that have been detected in drinking water. Can I use a home filter to remove these chemicals?
If your water supply is part of the City of Ottawa’s main distribution system, then the quality of your drinking water falls well within both federal and provincial water quality standards set out by Health Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. If your home is not part of the City’s distribution system (for example, local well water distribution), or if you are concerned about the quality of the municipal supply, there are several in-home water filtration systems available to ensure the safest possible drinking water for your home. For more information, read the summary of the major types of filtration systems which can be installed in your home. Waterkeeper Alliance: Annual Conference 
In June, Waterkeeper Alliance celebrated its 10th Anniversary at SUNY Maritime College in New York City. The conference drew together Waterkeepers from nineteen countries to discuss grassroots water protection. The conference theme was climate change and green energy. The highlight of the conference was a private keynote speech by former President of the United States Bill Clinton. He praised the Waterkeeper Alliance for its involvement with issues at a community level: “The thing I love about what you do is that you do.” Clinton said. “You don’t just talk about it. Your mission is important.” Read more... 
Ottawa Riverkeeper is pleased to announce the election of three new members to the Board of Directors; Marc Smith, Carrie Wallace and Tim Kluke. Marc, Carrie and Tim will join our existing board, whose collective experience will help Ottawa Riverkeeper continue to grow in strength, expertise and numbers. Marc Smith, a long time Ottawa resident, brings with him a diverse range of expertise in communications, marketing and management. With 18 years of experience, Marc will play a key role in helping us prioritize initiatives and develop operational strategies. Welcome, Marc! Carrie Wallace has a long history of marrying her passion for the outdoors with a love of business and community development. Carrie joins us with 20 years of experience developing enterprises that encourage enjoyment of and appreciation for the natural world. In addition, she is a current MBA candidate and a managing partner in Common Ground, a Chelsea based conservation development. Welcome, Carrie! As the current President and CEO of the Royal Ottawa Health Foundation, Tim Kluke is a seasoned leader, strategist and fundraiser. Tim has 20 years of executive experience in the not-for-profit sector, and has held senior positions with some of the most recognizable foundations and charitable organizations. In addition, Tim is a past President of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Ottawa Chapter. Welcome, Tim! DOWNLOAD OUR 2008 ANNUAL REPORT 2009 Outstanding Volunteer Award 
On June 23rd, Ottawa Riverkeeper proudly announced the recipient of the 2009 Daniel Brunton Outstanding Volunteer Award - Pat Tait . The Daniel Brunton award is presented annually to recognize a volunteer who demonstrates dedication, commitment and passion for protecting and preserving the Ottawa River. As one of Ottawa Riverkeeper's first Riverwatchers, Pat has worked tirelessly to ensure the health of the river by reporting issues, interacting with the local media, and working collaboratively with others. Pat is a leader who truly embodies the spirit of a Riverwatcher and an outstanding volunteer. She continues to inspire us with her stewardship and dedication. Thank you, Pat. |
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