Swim Drink Fish Blog
Read the latest updates and news releases about community science, water monitoring, Artists for Water, and more.
Paddlefest attendees rally behind the Watermark Project
Waterkeeper attended MEC Paddlefest 2017 this past weekend to talk about water quality and rec water use. People's desire to do their part to protect the lake became a dominant theme, and it was the Watermark Project that became the answer. Paddlefest attendees rallied behind the Watermark Project as a means to do their part to protect our waters.
$1.1 billion towards Ontario’s infrastructure and a stronger Swim Drink Fish community
Last week, the Ontario and Canadian governments announced that $1.1 billion will be invested into infrastructure upgrades across the province. Since a lot of Waterkeeper's focus has been on wastewater and water quality, it's no surprise that Mark wanted to share his thoughts on this big announcement.
Toronto Island Lake Swim: Perfect time to get your feet wet
One of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to help protect your watershed is to simply experience it. Jump in the lake and connect with it. It’s no surprise that when we found out about Toronto Island local, Kathleen McDonnell – who swam in the lake every day for a year, all 365 days – we had to get in touch with her.
Is it really cleaner to swim in a pool or the lake?
After learning about the possibility of contracting illnesses and infections from a trip to the beach, many people ask us if it “safer” to swim in pools. And you might be surprised by what we found out.
Marilyn Bell DiLascio reacts to recent discovery of sewage debris in Lake Ontario
Traveling by boat on July 8, 2016, Waterkeeper Mark Mattson arrived in Toronto and spotted a 2km stretch of waste floating in the lake, just off of Ashbridges Bay. When we posted the images and videos online, many people were shocked – one of who was famed open water swimmer, Marilyn Bell. As Lake Ontario’s first “Swim Drink Fish Ambassador,” Marilyn was quick to lend her voice for the lake that has a big place in her heart. Here’s her message.
Waterkeeper’s preliminary comments on the Scarborough Waterfront Project
The Scarborough Waterfront Project (“SWP”) is a proposal to build an 11-km shoreline pathway along the stretch of Bluffs lining Lake Ontario. Because this is the first phase of the assessment process, Waterkeeper’s comments are focused on the overarching purpose and direction of the project.
Waterkeeper's comments on Scarborough Waterfront Project
Today is the deadline for submitting initial comments on the proposed Scarborough Waterfront Project. Waterkeeper has studied the proposal and submitted some preliminary concerns. This project will shape the future of an important section of Toronto’s shoreline, so we have expressed a desire to take part in the stakeholder consultations planned for later this year.
Why it's time to invest in Canada's love for water
Canadians love water. Our culture and our history can prove it. So how is it that Canada is also one of the dirtiest countries in the industrialized world? How have we fallen to dead-last amongst the world’s wealthiest countries when it comes to environmental protection? This question is at the heart of all Waterkeeper’s work right now. How can we reconcile what we say we love – water, nature, being outdoors with friends and family – with how we actually live?
City of Toronto has opportunity to show leadership on Great Lakes in wake of sewage decision
Toronto is the largest in the country. Its political influence rivals, if not equals, the Ministry of the Environment’s. The MOE's recent decision to notify the public of wet weather water quality gives the City of Toronto an opportunity to become a leader on recreational water protection.
Toronto Island Lake Swim 2015: Celebrating a Swimmable Toronto
Lake Ontario’s waters were so polluted in the 1950s and 1960s that it consistently made people ill. That's no secret. But water quality is like the weather – it constantly changes. And to help break the stigma that Toronto’s waters are unswimmable, an enticing opportunity was created for Torontonians to get them back in the water.