Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Waterkeeper disagrees with report that concludes the aesthetics of Toronto's watersheds should be considered "Not Impaired"
Waterkeeper disagrees with report saying Toronto's water, from an aesthetic point of view, has been solved and should no longer be considered impaired. Check here for the full submission, including our own findings and recommendations.
Media Coverage - September 2017
Media Coverage of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper for the Month of September.
Report on Toronto's watersheds available for public comment
The team behind the Toronto & Region Remedial Action Plan has released a report indicating that the aesthetic problems with Toronto's water has been solved and can be considered "Not impaired". The report is available for public comment. Details here.
City officials to discuss Toronto water quality at public meeting, September 20
Senior officials from the City of Toronto will take the stage at a “Lake Ontario Evenings” event on September 20 at the Gladstone Hotel. Learn more details here.
The rule everyone should follow to save our waters
Whenever you are out on the water, there's a very important—and simple—step you can take to help combat pollution that you see.
Where the Onakawana meets the Abitibi: Watermarks of the past, present and future
November 10th 1977, a young William Tozer boarded the Polar Express with his grandfather and headed south from his small village of Moose Crossing on the Moose River. When the train lurched to a stop at mile marker 131 his grandfather and he disembarked and headed off into the bush. This would be first time that William would look upon the mouth of the Onakawana River where it meets the Abitibi River.
Wolfe Island Music Festival: A Welcome Port In The Storm
The vibe of Wolfe Island Music Festival is as humble as the people who attend it. Ferry boats full of people, of all ages and backgrounds, ready to leave their worries on the mainland and commit to a weekend of genuine Canadian arts appreciation. And then there are the locals of Wolfe Island -- some of the most genuine and friendly characters that I have ever met.
Media Coverage - August 2017
This month Waterkeeper wrapped up it’s Kingston & Wolfe Island Culture Festival by naming Kingston’s Water Access Group the first Great Lakes Community Guardian. Waterkeeper President and co-founder, Mark Mattson, made the official announcement prior to the start of the Waterkeeper Showcase at the Wolfe Island Music Festival. In addition, Krystyn Tully, Vice President and co-founder of Waterkeeper, chatted with the Kelly and Company about Watermark Project; North Saskatchewan Riverkeeper released it’s first water-quality tests; and Swim Guide was featured in a couple of stories from Durham region to Montana.
While the swimming season rolls to a close next month, be sure to stay check out Waterkeeper on Twitter and Facebook to hear more about Waterkeeper in the Media.
What Kingston and Wolfe Island taught me about loving my Lake.
I spent my summer in Kingston and on Wolfe Island for Waterkeeper’s Kingston and Wolfe Island Culture Festival - a seven week celebration of Great Lakes voices told through story and song. The stories I knew I would hear were those of musicians from around Canada performing throughout the festival weeks, Canadian authors travelling in to read at the annual literary festival, and the city politicians who’ve turned their attention to the waterfront to better connect their public with their local waters.
Recommendations to the Government of Canada to strengthen federal environmental law
In June 2017, the Government of Canada released a Discussion Paper asking Canadians to submit comments that will improve federal protections for the environment. The Paper marks the one-year mark in an ongoing review of environmental assessment, energy, nuclear, fisheries, and navigation laws in Canada. Our response focuses on our high-level response to the Discussion Paper. In particular, we share our concerns about the lack of progress being made to protect navigation rights in Canada.