Water Guardians Network
In 2005, the Canadian Environmental Law Association, Environmental Defence and many other Ontario public interest groups formed the Water Guardians Network for furthering source protection efforts across the province.
The mission of the Water Guardians Network is to work together as stewards for the long-term preservation, protection, and improvement of water sources across Ontario. In pursuing this mission, Network members will:
- Work towards the timely implementation of source water protection. The Network members shall work with the local communities and government officials to identify vulnerable areas in need of the strongest protections.
- Pursue equal and consistent source water protection for all watershed regions across Ontario, while taking into account local circumstances, geographic location, and hydrogeological conditions.
- Facilitate public participation and education through enhanced access to information.
- Provide a central repository of information.
- Promote the application of the precautionary principle to decision-making processes, as recognized by Justice O’Connor in his Report of the Walkerton Inquiry.
- Work towards the incorporation of strong water conservation measures, to prevent the depletion of our water resources.
- Advance strong Great Lakes commitments and integration with Great Lakes agreements. The Great Lakes supply approximately 80 per cent of Ontario’s drinking water, as well as serving important ecological and recreational functions.
Water Guardians Network Members
Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians
The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians was established primarily as a political organization in 1969 to represent its member Nations in any negotiation or consultation with any level of government affecting the well-being of the member Nations as a whole. The Association currently represents eight (8) nations of status Indians in Ontario with a membership of approximately 18,000 people. The Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians provides political representation and policy analysis in the following areas of mutual concern: Health, Social Services, Education, Economic Development, Housing, Intergovernmental Affairs, Environment, Treaty Research and Tax Immunity.
*Honorary Member
Bruce Peninsula Environment Group
The Bruce Peninsula Environment Group is committed to preserving the unique ecology of the Bruce Peninsula and promoting a greater awareness of the diverse flora, fauna, geology, and cultural history of this region. Through education, presentation, and open dialogue the Bruce Peninsula Environment Group endeavours to communicate the importance of and the means to maintaining a healthy natural environment.
Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment
The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) is a national organization of over 4,600 doctors and concerned citizens working to protect environmental health. In recent years it has run campaigns to ban lawn pesticides, promote organic agriculture, phase out asbestos mining, and develop renewable energy. In 2006, CAPE received a Canadian Environment Award (gold) from Canadian Geographic Magazine. In 2008, it received a Citizens Bank Shared Interest Award. That same year it led a campaign to ban non-essential pesticides across Ontario -- an effort that culminated in passage of the Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, the most health-protective pesticide legislation in North America.
Canadian Environmental Law Association
CELA is a non-profit, public interest organization established in 1970 to use existing laws to protect the environment and to advocate environmental law reforms. Their programs focus on pollution and health issues, land and water protection, access to justice, and global environmental initiatives.
Canadian Federation of University Women / Ontario Council
Citizens Environment Alliance of Southwestern Ontario
The Citizens Environment Alliance (CEA) is a non-profit, grass-roots, binational, education and research organization. We are committed to an ecosystem approach to environmental planning and management.
Concerned Walkerton Citizens
Conservation Ontario
Conservation Ontario is the provincial organization representing Ontario’s 36 Conservation Authorities. Conservation Authorities are local, watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources. Conservation Authorities work with municipalities, provincial and federal governments, landowners, agricultural, environmental groups, businesses and residents to plan and deliver programs to protect our watersheds. Under the Clean Water Act Conservation Authorities will facilitate local source water protection planning by coordinating the planning processing and providing administrative, technical and scientific support to the Source Protection Committees.
*Honorary Member
Current Affairs Timmins
Ecojustice Canada
Ecojustice is dedicated to enforcing and strengthening the laws that safeguard our environment, wildlife, and public health. Their activities include reports on the enforcement of Canada's water protection laws and strategic litigation against polluters.
Environmental Defence
Environmental Defence protects the environment and human health. They spur the creation of greener, healthier, more livable communities by fighting to limit urban sprawl, and by fostering community stewardship of urban natural resources. They also work to reduce our exposure to toxic pollutants, by targeting key sources, including industrial emission into air, water and land; agricultural practices that increase toxins in food; and everyday products that contain harmful chemicals.
Federation of Ontario Cottagers' Associations
The Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations, Inc. (FOCA) is a non-profit, member-based association operating within and throughout the Province of Ontario. Since 1963, FOCA has represented the interests of waterfront property owners. Incorporated in 1974, FOCA is supported primarily through membership fees, derived annually from approximately 600 member associations that collectively represent over 50,000 families that own waterfront properties. The key roles of FOCA are those of advocacy, education and support for non-profit, volunteer-based waterfront groups in the following areas of interest: environmental quality, land use planning, fair taxation, and risk management for rural volunteer groups.
Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario
The Federation of Urban Neighbourhoods of Ontario has two essential roles in supporting community, ratepayer and neighbourhood associations throughout the Province of Ontario: 1) to foster communication among these associations and to keep them informed of decisions and actions taken by the Provincial Government, official bodies such as the Ontario Municipal Board and the Courts as well as actions of individual municipalities that have province-wide significance, and 2) to receive the concerns of its Member Associations and assist them by preparing submissions to Government and other officials bodies and to lobby for improvements in legislation governing municipalities and agencies of the Provincial and Federal Governments.
Friends of East Lake (Prince Edward County)
To monitor the natural habitat, rural lifestyle, and native inland fisheries of East Lake and its watershed and to ensure their preservation for future generations through proper zoning bylaws, environmental protection, measurements of water and air quality, balanced sustainable development, restoration and conservation
Friends of the Bayfield River
1. To educate the residents of the watershed about the watershed. 2. To monitor the water quality of the Bayfield River and related stream, drains and all feeder systems. 3. To respond to activities that impact on the health of the river. 4. To work with government and non-government agency to remediate the watershed. 5. To develop a sustainable process to ensure the continued health of the watershed.
Friends of the Earth Canada
FOE Canada undertakes activities which catalyze positive change with respect to our environment and all its components. We raise awareness and call for action when needed among the public, government and industry stakeholders. Currently our focus is on Universal Water Security (quality and quantity), climate change and green investment. We are engaged in major transboundary issues such as Devil’s Lake and the Great Lakes Annex.
Friends of the Tay Watershed
Friends of the Tay Watershed (FoTW) is a non-profit, charitable association, dedicated to preserving and enhancing the health of the Tay River Watershed. It was founded in mid-2001 and obtained incorporated non-profit, charitable status later that year. Its activities to date have been guided by the Mission Statement and objectives listed below, which emphasize a focus on following up the recommendations of the Tay River Watershed Plan. That plan was developed between 1998 and 2002 by a community- and stakeholder-based Round Table, under the guidance of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) – and published later that year by the RVCA.
Green Communities Canada
Green Communities Canada is a national network of community-based non-profit organizations that deliver innovative environmental programs and services, with a focus on household and community action. Green Communities Canada supports member organizations in working together to achieve environmental sustainability, including healthy ecosystems and communities, sustainable resource use, and clean air, water, and soil. What we do: Share information, Coordinate joint programs ( e.g., Well Aware, Active and Safe Routes to School, Home Energy Efficiency), Build capacity, Build visibility, Build membership.
Green Venture
Green Venture is a non-profit organization promoting energy efficiency, pollution prevention and environmental conservation, thereby improving the quality of life in our community.
Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists
The Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists (MVFN) is a group of friendly people who share an interest in, and respect for, the natural world within the Mississippi River watershed of Eastern Ontario. Founded in 1988, MVFN endeavours to increase public interest in, knowledge and understanding of, and appreciation and respect for the natural world within the Mississippi River watershed.
Northwatch
Northwatch is a coalition of environmental and social organziations in northeastern Ontario. Founded in 1988, Northwatch focuses on regional concerns, primarily related to mining, forestry, energy and nuclear concerns, and waste.
Ontario Headwaters Institute
A not-for-profit registered charity who work towards the protection of Ontario's Headwaters through education and action. Throughout our web site you can learn more about the importance of headwater protection.
Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources (P.O.W.E.R.)
Protect Our Water and Environmental Resources -- P.O.W.E.R. is a thriving not-for-profit community based organization committed to protecting the environment and the quality of life in North Halton and beyond. P.O.W.E.R. was formed in 1987 by citizens concerned about a plan to turn the Acton quarry, on the Niagara Escarpment, into a garbage dump. The dump was stopped but the importance of protecting water, environmental resources and ecology, and the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Reserve, continues.
RiverSides
RiverSides protects rivers by reducing runoff pollution from individual properties. We deliver the knowledge and tools people need to make the connection between personal action and healthy rivers.
Sarnia Environmental Alliance
Scugog Lake Stewards Inc.
Scugog Lake Stewards Inc. is an incorporated charitable organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of Lake Scugog. Currently most of our work revolves around environmental education of adults and children and on advocacy with emphasis on stormwater and wastewater management, source water protection, and shoreline protection and naturalization.
Sierra Club of Canada, Ontario Chapter
We are working on facilitating improved water conservation at all levels and across all sectors in Ontario. Current focus is on the municipal sector. Ensuring effective implementation of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Sustainable Water Resources Agreement, with particular attention to water conservation provisions. Increasing our influence throughout the Basin through collaboration with Sierra Club chapters in the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes. Designing and publishing materials intended to educate the public on water conservation. Designing a new web page to host materials and information related to our water campaign. Involvement in the GLWQA review process.
Toward Balance Support Network
Toward Balane Support Network is a not for profit organization dedicated to initiating and supporting activities throughout the Kawarthas that contribute to the building of a healthy sustainable community. To this end we partner with other local organizations in developing programmes and activities that will educate and engage people in the areas of clean safe water, food, air and community. Our principal projects include community gardens, community conversations, heritage apple orchard, watershed protection, Earth Hour and Earth Day celebrations, local food special events, and a food charter.
Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation
The Walter & Duncan Gordon Foundation is dedicated to the development of sound and innovative public policies, founded on those values fundamental to Canadians, and designed to foster the continuing evolution of a dynamic and independent Canada. One of their goals is to support the development of a comprehensive legal, regulatory, and citizen action framework for the purpose of protecting the quality and quantity of fresh water resources for future generations of Canadians.
Waterfront Regeneration Trust
The Waterfront Regeneration Trust is dedicated to the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the Canadian shores of Lake Ontario and the Ontario shores of the St. Lawrence River. The Trust is committed to bringing the best ideas to our work and to providing teaching and learning opportunities that will showcase sustainable waterfront innovations and successes. Our signature project is the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail – a multi use 650 km trail that runs from Niagara on the Lake to the Quebec border. The Trust uses the Trail and Greenway as a way to deepen public commitment for a healthy waterfront that is clean, green, connected, accessible, affordable, open, useable, diverse and attractive.
Waterlooians.ca
Waterlooians.ca is a grassroots volunteer group dedicated to ensuring the continued social, environmental, and economic health of Waterloo Region and the Grand River Watershed. Waterlooians.ca mission is to preserve and strengthen the health of our community.
Watershed Action Towards Environmental Responsibility
Our purpose is to give citizens of Hamilton Wentworth and neighbouring regions some control over their environmental future by providing them with their requested data about their water environment and also by providing methodology to do so.
Wellington Water Watchers
Wellington Water Watch is dedicated to the protection, restoration and conservation of drinking water in Guelph and Wellington County
Wye Marsh
The Wye Marsh is a not-for-profit organization that specializes in environmental education and stewardship initiatives.
York Region Environmental Alliance
The York Region Environmental Alliance (YREA) is a not-for-profit, incorporated organization. The volunteer board of directors hails from the far reaches of York Region and works within its communities in partnership on various projects of mutual concern. It has a dedicated membership and volunteer base.
