Charles Bagnato's presentation

The Importance Of Safe Water
In Achieving Growth
Mayor C. Bagnato
Municipality Of Brockton
Walkerton, Ontario
519-377-0706
bagnato@brockton.ca

The welcoming landmark in every community. What is
the relationship of safe water to your community’s
growth and future.

From Anonymity to Infamy
Fact: One can never return to anonymity…forever
in the annals of history remembered for water
tragedy.
Goal: To turn infamy into excellence i.e.
Walkerton Clean Water Centre. Also always
hyping the constant scrutiny and ultimate safety
of our water.
We work on it every day 5 and half years later.

Memorial Garden
A beautiful tribute spearheaded by Stratford, also Woodstock, St. Mary’s,
Goderich, Mitchell, Blyth and Meaford took part in the project. A true gem for
all to see as you enter the town from the south. But something you never want
to have in your town for the price that Walkerton paid.

The fact that we were just nosed out for 1st place in the
“Communities In Bloom” contest we and are feeling very good
Regarding our chances this year.

Our job is to get you to think of the aesthetics and natural beauty of our
community when you hear the name 'Walkerton'. The peaceful canoeing,
Fishing,hunting, camping and the beautiful river walk trail circling the town.
The winter attractions of cross country skiing and the snowmobiling all make
Walkerton a desirable place to visit, work and live.

The Cost of Getting It
Wrong….
•Experts suggest up to 15% of population may suffer
Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
•Loss of business to other communities
•Municipal insurance 3 times average cost
•Cuts to MOE $40 million
•Cost of tragedy $150 million
•Decreased property values
•Ongoing illness in community

Body Mapping
A graphic depiction of the enormity of the the various ill effects of
the bad water on those who ingested it.

Common Post
Contamination Diseases
•Hemolytic Urea Syndrome
•Irritable Bowel Syndrome
•Reactive Arthritis
•Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome
•High blood Pressure
•Diabetes

Anatomy of a Systemic Breakdown
Many factors combine to create disaster
•Well #5 placement and zoning
•Maintenance of wells
•Operator training
•Falsification of records
•Public Utilities Commission
•Ministry of Environment

•Local Health Unit
•Private Laboratory
Anatomy of a Systemic
•Water main construction
•Spills Action
Breakdown…continued
•Government of Ontario - 11 separate warnings
•Voluntary compliance
•Risk management

Emergency Preparedness
•No State of Emergency declared in Walkerton
•Must have clearly defined parameters leading to
declaration of emergency
•Regardless of planning, some emergencies will
occur thus preparation is mandatory

Cost of Getting it Wrong…continued
Reputation Shattered
The lesson is ...upgrade your water systems
to provincial standards, be sure your water
operators are constantly being trained
and retrained and be certain you comply with
all regulations for the protection of your
citizens and the future of your community.

ROAD MAP TO SAFE WATER
The province has responded by implementing many of the
O'Connor recommendations that ensures the safety of
drinking water, however the goal of comprehensive source
protection requires further enhancements.
Walkerton’s new water protection regime:
•Well 5 and it’s aquifer no longer in use
•Secure non GUDI aquifer
•Drinking water continuously chlorinated,
monitored for turbidity and disinfected with UV

Restoring the water has revitalized the community!

A secure long term water supply has many positive
stability and growth benefits for the community:
•Housing prices at a all time high
•New housing development
•Sacred Heart High School ongoing expansion
•20 new business starts in the last year
•New condominium development
•East Ridge Business Park
•Walkerton Clean Water Centre

SMART GROWTH
Factors to consider when evaluating proposed development:
• Enhanced tax revenue
• Increased employment
• Improved community services
• Tourist attractions
• Environmental denigration
• Undermining current and future growth
• Burden on municipal infrastructure must be cost effective
when evaluating new development
• Weighing growth proposals based on social,
environmental and economic scales to arrive at sustainable
development for the future

“NOBODY THINKS ABOUT
THE WATER UNTIL THE
WELL RUNS DRY”
Taking steps to ensure comprehensive source to tap
protection of our drinking water,as our first
priority, will help to ensure a secure future for the
health of our commerce and our children at the
same time.