A Call for Cleaner Waters in Toronto’s Western Beaches

We are submitting a letter to Dianne Saxe, Councillor for Ward 11 University—Rosedale. The letter requests the implementation of real-time monitoring (RTM) for combined sewer overflows (CSOs) in Toronto’s Western Beaches. As you likely know, CSOs occur when untreated wastewater and stormwater are simultaneously discharged into local waterways during heavy rainfall or system overload. Toronto currently discharges between 2-7 billion litres of raw sewage annually through 94 combined sewer outfalls, significantly contributing to poor water quality, particularly in the Humber River and Western Beaches.

While Toronto has invested heavily in stormwater management projects, the city lacks real-time monitoring for CSOs. The existing CSO reporting system through Wastewater Effluent Systems Regulation and Environment Canada is slow, with data delays of up to 22 months, leaving the public uninformed about potential health risks such as exposure to E. coli, industrial wastes, plastics, and other contaminants. 

We are asking that the city integrate RTM into the Western Beaches Public Realm Plan through collaboration with city officials including Councillors Dianne Saxe, Ausma Malik, and Gord Perks, as well as Toronto Water Manager Lou Di Gironimo.

The benefits of RTM are numerous. RTM enables residents to make informed decisions about water recreation, increases public awareness of climate-related infrastructure challenges, supports environmental stewardship, and fosters community engagement. Moreover, it aligns with broader initiatives like the Biinaagami project for Great Lakes protection, positioning Toronto as a leader in freshwater preservation.

The letter requests several actions from city officials. First, it calls for scheduling a meeting with key stakeholders to discuss RTM implementation. Second, it suggests considering the integration of RTM into the Western Beaches Public Realm Plan's capital planning stage. Lastly, it advocates for supporting the development of a Community Member Pollution Prevention and Advocacy guide that integrates RTM as a valuable tool for community activism. 

In conclusion, the letter emphasizes that implementing real-time CSO monitoring is crucial for protecting public health and the environment in Toronto. By providing timely and accurate information, the city can empower residents to connect with their water, address water quality issues more efficiently, and demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship. City officials can make this initiative a reality and improve the health of Toronto's waterways for all residents. 

We hope that you will support us on this crucial project by signing our letter of support. Torontonians, Lake Ontario and future generations deserve swimmable, drinkable, fishable water, and RTM is a much needed step in the right direction.