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Stories
Read the latest stories, updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, and more.
Microbeads labeled “toxic” as Canada prepares to ban the tiny plastic polluters
The Government of Canada has officially labelled microbeads “toxic” under federal law. This label is the first step in the official process to ban microbeads in Canada. The ban will apply to cleansers and cosmetic products that have been polluting waterways nationwide.
Saying goodbye to Pat Lawson
Mark remembers Pat Lawson, who passed away yesterday. Pat was a mentor to so many social justice advocates. She believed in the beauty and majesty of the Port Hope where she grew up: Lake Ontario, where she played on the beaches; the Ganaraska River, where she floated through town. Says Mark: "She lit a fire in me that day that still burns."
Canadians love their waterways, but is love enough to protect them?
While we may not know the basics about our water, studies show year after year that our most loved and treasured national resource is just that - water. But, our limited knowledge places limitations on our love for water. If we don’t know basic water facts, how can we expect to protect that which we do not understand?
Help us create a Swimmable Lake Ontario
Only a small fraction of Toronto’s waterfront is monitored for water quality. And without water quality information, recreational water users can't make informed decisions to protect their health. So this summer Lake Ontario Waterkeeper has a plan, but we’ll need your help. Yesterday we launched our first ever crowdfunding campaign. It's called, Swimmable Lake Ontario.
Leadership from City of Toronto can ensure Pickering Nuclear Generating Station closes in 2018, as planned
The Pickering Nuclear Generating Station is over forty years old. It is fast approaching the end of its operational life, 2018. Ontario Power Generation wants to keep the station open longer, until 2024. Lake Ontario Waterkeeper supports the motion asking the City of Toronto to support the 2018 closure date. And here, Mark explains why.
Presenting the Watermark Project at the "Water Is..." book launch
Waterkeeper's Water Literacy Coordinator, Claire Lawson recently presented the Watermark Project at the book launch for Nina Munteanu's "Water Is..." Here is what she presented.
Introducing the new Swim Guide – the next phase in keeping you informed about your local beaches and water quality
Since its inception in 2011, Swim Guide has helped its users discover great places to swim while simultaneously helping protect their health. Today, we introduce an all-new Swim Guide website (www.theswimguide.org). It has all the same functions as the old Swim Guide, but with a few key additions.
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