Walkerton Clean Water Centre Officially Opened

The Walkerton Clean Water Centre was officially opened on June 10, 2010 at a ceremony that included distinguished guests Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment, Hon. Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs and Justice Dennis O’Connor.

Built to conform to the LEED Gold standard, this state-of-the-art, $8 million facility includes a demonstration water distribution system, and will serve as a venue for vital hands-on-training for drinking water system operators from across Ontario.
 
This building was commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment as a result of a recommendation from the Walkerton Inquiry – an inquiry set up and presided over by Justice O'Connor in response to the May, 2000 E. Coli contamination of the town’s water supply which sickened 2,300 people, seven of whom died. The Inquiry made many recommendations to prevent future contamination, including rigorous water testing and mandatory training of water managers.

Minister John Gerretsen emphasized the importance of this project: "We are proud that the centre will anchor our commitment to the delivery of clean safe water for Ontarians now and for future generations. Our province is becoming a world-class hub for innovation in water technology, and the centre will play an integral part in our approach."

ORC’s construction partners included AECOM Canada Architects Limited and General Contractor, Melloul-Blamey Construction.

"To actually see this facility is overwhelming — it is spectacular," Justice O'Connor said. "I can't say ... I (had) envisioned something that is so positive and so important."

ORC President & CEO Dave Glass added, "On behalf of the government, Ontario Realty Corporation and its partners incorporated best practices through Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards during the design and build process. The centre showcases the Province of Ontario's commitment to sustainable and energy efficient buildings. This new innovative centre will benefit this community and the province for years to come."

L-R: Hon. John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment: Hon. Carol Mitchell, Minister of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs; Justice Dennis O'Connor, Brockton Mayor Charlie Bagnato; WCWC Board Chair Rui De Carvalho

L: Rainer Mageau, Sr. Project Manager - Special Projects R: Bob Neally, Director, Program Planning and Special Projects