November 23, 2016

Dear Mayor Cam Guthrie and Councillors of the City of Guelph:

I applaud the Ontario governments announcement to implement a two-year provincial
moratorium on the creation or expansion of bottled water plants as well as the Guelph City
Councils support in this important step. I am encouraged by the leadership your Council has
taken in studying this issue and hearing from local residents.
There are few things more important than water. Yet Nestls water takings are already
impacting local watersheds.
Wellington Water Watchers reports that the aquifer tapped by Nestls main supply well in
nearby Aberfoyle dropped by about 1.5 metres between 2011 and 2015, while Nestls water
taking increased 33% over the same period.
The global water crisis is here and we must prioritize water for communities and ecosystems.
A report, prepared for a special Committee of the Whole meeting on November 7, states
Nestls water-takings pose a risk to Guelph's drinking water security. It is critical that your City
Council takes every measure possible to protect the drinking water of local community
members.
With increasing drought, communities have the responsibility to decide which industries should
be allowed to withdraw water, especially during times of drought. Do we want bottled water
companies like Nestl to withdraw water in a region where farmers and other community
members are suffering?
Water is a human right and part of the commons to be shared, protected, carefully managed
and enjoyed by all who live around it. Surface and groundwater should be declared a public
trust, which will require the government to protect water for a communitys reasonable use and
deny bottled water takings.
I urge Guelph City Council to take the leadership needed to safeguard the watershed and
drinking water for the community for generations to come. I ask that you vote to write a letter to
the Ontario government urging them to reject the Aberfoyle permit and to place a moratorium on
all bottled water takings.
Water is for life, not for profit. With increasing drought predicted due to climate change, your
actions are now more critical than ever.
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300-251 Bank Street, Ottawa ON K2P 1X3

Tel: (613) 233-2773, Fax/Tlc: (613) 233-6776
www.canadians.org inquiries@canadians.org

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Thank you for your consideration.
In solidarity,

Maude Barlow
National Chairperson
Council of Canadians

300-251 Bank Street, Ottawa ON K2P 1X3

Tel: (613) 233-2773, Fax/Tlc: (613) 233-6776
www.canadians.org inquiries@canadians.org