Walkerton Inquiry

Overview

Walkerton Inquiry

In the latter half of May, 2000 the municipal water supply in Walkerton became contaminated with a lethal strain of E. coli, named O157:H7. The situation developed into a tragic event that resulted in seven deaths and over 2,000 people becoming ill. A boil water order imposed on May 21, 2000 was not lifted until December 5, 2000.

The reaction of the Government of Ontario was to establish a Walkerton Commission, led by Justice Dennis O'Connor to investigate the situation. The inquiry is being conducted in three phases: phase 1a establishes the primary causes of Walkerton's municipal water supply; phase 1b identifies any weaknesses in government policy or process that contributed to those causes; and, phase 2 develops recommendations to ensure that contamination of an Ontario municipal water supply can be prevented in the future.

The OFA applied for and was granted standing in all phases of the Walkerton Inquiry. For Phases 1a and 1b the OFA has partnered with several other farm organizations under the umbrella of the Ontario Farm Environmental Coalition. The law firm of Elstons, Lawyers has been retained to provide legal counsel in this part of the inquiry, with the Walkerton Commission agreeing to pay legal costs in excess of $25,000. The OFA contribution to the $25,000 has been established at $5,000.

Phase 1 of the inquiry is a typical public hearing where the Commissioner will call witnesses to provide evidence. Those with standing have opportunity to provide Commission Counsel with names and addresses of individuals they feel ought to be heard as witnesses, and also have opportunity to cross exam witnesses to the extent of their interest. Finally, those with standing will be expected to provide Commission counsel with documents they intend to file as exhibits or otherwise refer to during the hearing.

Walkerton Inquiry Proceedings and Reports

Wellhead Protection Strategies: An Agricultural Perspective

Submissions & Correspondence

News