Environment and Energy Minister Norman Sterling had some encouraging news for the over 600 delegates attending the Joint Annual OWWA¹/OMWA² Conference, in Hamilton, Ontario.

Norman Sterling, lawyer, engineer, and Minister of Environment and Energy, happily fielding questions from the floor. Photo - Tom Davey

The Minister, who has degrees in both law and engineering, said he was encouraged by a recent study done by the respected economic think tank, the Fraser Institute. The study states that since 1980, the 'overall environmental quality' in Canada has improved by 15.6 percent. Canada's overall water quality has improved by 26.9 percent, based on the measurement of six water pollutants which include phosphorous, nitrogen and PCBs.

"Unfortunately, this is not the case globally," Mr. Sterling said, citing the huge problems faced by countries such as Uruguay and Brazil. "Ontario businesses in the environmental industry have a wonderful opportunity to export their know-how and expertise and be at the leading edge in helping these countries address some very serious issues."

" I know that many here are wondering about the future of the Ontario Clean Water Agency. Bill 107 provides municipalities with a choice with regards to OCWA. They can continue to use it for the management and operations of their water and sewage treatment services, or they can look at other options."

Referring to future costs for these services for homeowners in Northern Ontario, he said the water and wastewater treatment plants owned and operated by OCWA are paying their own way and breaking even.

"We do not anticipate that costs will go up just because title is being transferred from OCWA to municipalities," he stressed

Dick Beck, centre, co-author of privatization paper, enjoying Casino Night.

Turning to Ontario's Drinking Water Surveillance Program, the Minister said, "DWSP was introduced in 1986 when 22 locations were monitored. Today we report on 135 locations with more scheduled for 1997."

"DWSP reports have just been completed for the 1993-1995 period and the test results show that municipal water treatment facilities consistently produce excellent water for their communities."

OWWA Chair, Tom Eyre, noted with regret the passing of Mike Provart, a former Section Chair, AWWA Director, and Director of Dillon Engineering. Mike will not be forgotten; a scholarship has been established in his name in cooperation with the Section. Mike's widow Anne was present during the announcement.

At the Annual Banquet, Pat Lachmaniuk, MOEE, became the first woman Chair of OWWA, and this long overdue trend will continue as the new 1st Vice Chair of the Section is Judy MacDonald, P.Eng., Reg. Municipality of Halton.

Casino Night continues to be one of the social highlights. It is sponsored and staffed by the Equipment Suppliers with all proceeds going to the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children.

¹ Ontario Water Works Association, ² Ontario Municipal Water Association