2003 in review

The physical uprooting of our old offices in the Annex on Brunswick Avenue to Harbourfront at Bambu by the Lake was one of the more dramatic events of the year. The relocation of our office also coincided with the break from our old home, the Energy Probe Research Foundation. More about our move to Harbourfront...

Our work in 2003

In addition to the move to Harbourfront, Waterkeeper worked on a number of issues around Lake Ontario. At times, we didn't accomplish the goals we set at the outset, but by no means did we fail.

Red Hill Creek Expressway

First of these is the Red Hill Expressway. On Christmas Day I went to the Red Hill Valley and saw the destruction of the old growth forest that had been undisturbed just months before. For decades it served as an important part of the Hamilton community and for centuries it was home to Lake Ontario fish and bird populations.

Uranium refining continues in Port Hope

And secondly, this week, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission denied our request for a full review of the scheme to process slightly enriched uranium in Port Hope. The public will not receive funding, expert assistance, or the benefit of independent decision-making as Cameco Corporation pushes ahead with the project. More about important achievements of 2003...

Looking ahead to 2004

Waterkeeper will repeat our lake crossing event, working with paddlers from numerous outrigger clubs in the region. The event raises awareness and generates support for everyone who swims, paddles, rows, etc. in Lake Ontario - it is for them that we work to make Lake Ontario "swimmable" again.

Six million people drink Lake Ontario water, as though from one communal well. Waterkeeper will work to protect our source of drinking water and ensure improvements to water quality are made. We seek transboundary monitoring and rules that bind all governments on Lake Ontario.

For the thousands of people who fish Lake Ontario and the thousands who eat Lake Ontario fish and wildlife, we want to ensure that the laws intended to protect them from poisons are enforced. We will also work towards protecting and rehabilitating areas that serve as habitat for wildlife and to strengthen Lake Ontario communities and families that rely on a healthy wilderness.

Conclusion

In 2003 Waterkeeper made important changes in the way we interact with the Lake Ontario community. We trust that we will see more Lake Ontario communities swim, drink and fish in Lake Ontario in 2004. Join us as we record these events in Waterkeeper.ca Weekly!