Water is one of our community’s most essential public services. For generations, Penetanguishene’s water and wastewater system has been operated by skilled municipal workers who live in this community and are accountable through our local government.

Penetanguishene Town Council has voted to change that, giving control of our water and wastewater to the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA).

Council didn’t ask residents for input. They ignored concerns of workers. And they made a massive change that will affect Penetanguishene families for decades.

When a public service is outsourced, decisions are no longer made by municipal staff but dictated by a service agreement. You and your family deserve confidence that public accountability – not corporate contracts – will remain at the centre of decisions about our water.

Decisions about our drinking water should be made openly, transparently, and with meaningful public engagement.