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Five chapters to attend Waterstock water festival & rally in Erin, Ontario on June 11

At least five Council of Canadians chapters are expected to be at the Wellington Water Watchers and Riverfest Elora organized Waterstock gathering on June 11, from 12 pm to 5 pm, at the Erin Fairground in Erin.

Erin is located about 80 kilometres north-west of Toronto.


The promotion for the event highlights, “Waterstock is the rallying point to send a strong message to Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne to protect water against corporate control and exploitation. …Waterstock promises to be a bold, impactful, and historic day full of artisanal food and beverage, music, artistic displays and protest.”


Musicians performing at Waterstock include Jim Cuddy (of Blue Rodeo) and Bry Webb (of the Constantines), and it will include various chefs, notably Michael Stadlander (Eignensen Farms) and Ruth Klahsen (Monforte Dairy on Wellington).


The promotion adds, “Nestlé and other large corporations have exploited outdated provincial water taking bylaws that were originally intended for agricultural and value-added industrial use. Water is sacred but is becoming rapidly commoditized, ‘bottled’, and shipped around the planet for great profit, (to return, if ever, to our watersheds packaged in a piece of plastic.) …Over 20,000 Ontarians have spoken clearly in support for the Province to take action. It is time to take a stand and be stewards of our farmlands and aquifers. Your participation is essential for success.”


Tickets can be purchased here for $10 per person and children 12 and under can enter the festival for free.


That website notes, “Proceeds collected at the event will help cover the cost of putting Waterstock on, as well as continuing to fund the campaign to keep water public! Also, a portion of admission proceeds will go to support the Chippewa on the Thames legal fund.”


Council of Canadians chapters work in partnership with Wellington Water Watchers. We share a common concern about upcoming provincial government decisions on permits for Nestle water takings in Aberfoyle and Hillsburgh.

Our chapters in Ontario-Quebec have also supported the Chippewa on the Thames fund for a legal challenge to uphold Canada’s duty to consult requirement on the Line 9 pipeline which traverses Chippewas territory.

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