Communities in Waterloo, Woolwich, Wilmot and parts of Cambridge (the Mannheim Service Area) face an immediate crisis—a manmade water shortage. In response, the Region of Waterloo put a freeze on new development until it can safely and sustainably meet water demand. 

Yet, big water users are still seeking new Permits to Take Water in the region despite the water capacity crisis.  Ontario’s water sources, like groundwater aquifers, need to be prioritized for communities, farms and ecosystems, not industrial or commercial use. 

Sign on to urge the province to block all new or expanded industrial and commercial water-taking permits until the region has time to solve this crisis, creating a path forward that safeguards freshwater supplies. 

For years, the Ontario government has granted water-taking permits and fast-tracked sprawling development without full knowledge of the impacts on groundwater. In the process, they’ve undermined regional authority, and forgone meaningful Indigenous and public consultation.

Now, all industrial and commercial water-taking permits in the region must come to a stop until this water crisis is over and there’s a viable plan forward. The province simply can’t continue to gamble with the future of the community’s freshwater.

Your letter will go to the Hon. Todd J. McCarthy, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks, cc Hon. Premier Doug Ford and your MPP.