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- Beyond the Pipe - the DU report to the Walkerton Inquiry. Full Story
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prepares wetland report for Walkerton Inquiry.
Full Story - More
information on wetlands and water quality can
be found by downloading a pdf file.
(Acrobat PDF: 431KB)
DU granted party status at Walkerton Inquiry 
IWWR presenting report to the Walkerton Inquiry on the importance of wetlands to aquatic ecosystem management and the supply of high quality water.
Ducks Unlimited's conservation decisions are driven by the same waterfowl objectives developed 62 years ago, but it is becoming increasingly apparent that the usual programs must be supplemented by nontraditional strategies. To be successful DU must carefully adapt to the changing conservation landscape and opportunities it presents.
One such opportunity is Canada's water quality issue, which was brought to the forefront by the Walkerton, Ont. tragedy that claimed the lives of seven people this past summer after deadly bacteria was allowed to enter into the rural community's water supply. Thousands of other residents were infected and some have not yet fully recovered.
In response to this tragedy, the government of Ontario is staging a public inquiry to review the circumstances surrounding the water contamination and to provide recommendations to prevent the occurrence of such an event in the future.
The Walkerton Inquiry is divided into two major parts. The first part deals specifically with the series of events resulting in the Walkerton deaths. Part two, for which DU has been granted party status, focuses on the future safety of Ontario's drinking water in 15 commission papers being presented by experts. It will deal with the broader matters of public policy relating to the Walkerton events and rely heavily on the opinions and recommendations of these experts.
DU's Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research is producing a state of the science report on wetlands and water quality for the Walkerton Inquiry. DU research indicates wetlands serve as valuable filtration systems, purifying fresh water by retaining contaminants within vegetation. Recommendations for public policy improvements relating to water quality are also being tabled which is providing DU with an opportunity to influence future wetland conservation policy in Ontario.
Many feel the Walkerton Inquiry has the potential to set the direction of water policy in Canada. DU's experience and knowledge of wetlands and their functions will play a critical role in ensuring that policy recommendations flowing from the inquiry reflect the importance of wetlands to aquatic ecosystem management and the supply of high quality water.
