WATCHDOG: ONTARIO INDUSTRIES GETTING ''FREE RIDE'' ON WATER
Nov 03, 2015
By Bob Komsic
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It’s time to end the virtual ”free ride” the province is giving companies that are granted large water-taking permits.
In her just released annual report, acting environmental commissioner Ellen Schwartzel warns industries are getting off too cheaply and should be charged more for the water they use.
”Not only do most industries get a total free ride, but the few industries that do pay are charged only $3.71 for every million litres of water.”
Schwartzel adds that works out to less than $10 to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
She’s urging the environment ministry be more open and transparent when issuing water-taking permits.
She warns more public scrutiny’s needed because there are indications that increasing water demand from a growing population is reducing the baseline water flows from some streams and rivers.
Schwartzel, who’s filling in until a replacement for retired commissioner Gord Miller is found, adds ”We can no longer take our province’s water supplies for granted.”