Sept 24 Water Cafe Media Advisory

Consultation seeking input on the future of water in York Region

NEWMARKET – The Regional Municipality of York is starting an innovative consultation program to analyze the future of water use in the Region. The program’s goal is to look forward 40 years to determine how York Region and our residents will use and protect valuable water resources.

York Region’s Water for Tomorrow program has achieved measurable results in water conservation. The Long-Term Water Conservation Strategy will continue the work of Water for Tomorrow by analyzing feedback received through consultation and developing best practices for the future.

The first phase of the Long-Term Water Conservation Strategy includes a series of four water cafés with each café focussing on a different aspect of the future use of water.

WATER CAFÉ 1: Celebrating Water
ATTENDING: First Nations, new Canadians, residents, Regional and municipal staff, representatives of non-government organizations
WHEN:  September 25, 2010
WHERE:   York Region Administrative Centre
               Seminar Room B
               17250 Yonge Street
               Town of Newmarket
TIME:   12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
TOPIC: What our indigenous and cultural groups envision for water and the lessons that can be shared

WATER CAFÉ 2: The Blue Region
ATTENDING: Residents, public health and community groups, school boards and educators, Regional and municipal staff, representatives of non-government organizations
WHEN:  September 28, 2010
WHERE:   McMichael Art Gallery
               10365 Islington Avenue
               Kleinburg, Ontario
TIME:   5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
TOPIC: Exploring the realm of living and working in the next 40 years, including the possibilities for water – its use, infrastructure and a new water economy in the Region that can connect worldwide

Cafés 1 and 2 are by invitation only. All Cafés are open to the media.

WATER CAFÉ 3: Superbia!
ATTENDING: Residents, Regional and municipal staff, representatives of non-government organizations, small business, development industry
WHEN:  October 5, 2010
WHERE:   Markham Theatre Rehearsal Hall
               171 Town Centre Boulevard
               Town of Markham
TIME:   5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
TOPIC: Examining how a new water future could inspire redesigning suburbia in simple yet powerful ways; innovation in water use, infrastructure technologies, design and the emerging water economy will be discussed.

WATER CAFÉ 4: Refreshing Future Plans
ATTENDING: Residents, Regional and municipal staff, representatives of non-government organizations
WHEN:  October 6, 2010
WHERE:   Eaton Hall
               13990 Dufferin Street
               King City
TIME:   12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
TOPIC: Exploring international best practices with respect to water and exciting new innovation

Cafés 3 and 4 are open to the public.

BACKGROUND:

York Region’s Long-Term Water Conservation Strategy, incorporating an extensive public consultation and outreach component, is the largest study of the future of water use in York Region, to date. The consultation will look forward 40 years to determine how the Region will interact with, use and protect water. It will both complement and build upon The Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act, tabled by the Province on May 18, 2010. This consultation will determine how the Region can protect and conserve water into the future.

For more information on The Regional Municipality of York, please visit www.york.ca

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The Regional Municipality of York launches Long-Term Water Conservation Strategy with 'Water Cafes'