Dear Supporters,

I wanted to provide an update on my ongoing challenge regarding mandatory smart water meter transmitters and the threat of water disconnection for those who refuse them.

My Judicial Review hearing took place on Monday, May 25th, 2026, and I am now awaiting the Court's decision.

The focus of my presentation was a fundamental question: Can a public body disconnect and continue withholding an essential service such as water for punitive or coercive reasons after a resident has granted access to replace the meter? In my case, access to replace the meter was granted, yet the dispute concerned the requirement to install and activate transmitter technology that goes beyond simple volumetric water measurement.

Through this process, I have learned a great deal about the technology being installed particularly about the transmitter, which was installed on residences without any technical disclosure. What is commonly referred to as a "transmitter" is, in my view, a misnomer. The device does more than merely transmit a meter reading. The transmitter unlocks additional features contained within the new meter, including leak detection and other data-related functions. I also learned that the device is capable of storing data for approximately 40 days sometimes longer.

These capabilities raise important questions about transparency, informed consent, privacy, and whether such functions fall within the scope of what is described in the bylaw as a "reading device." Throughout this matter, I have maintained that residents should be fully informed about the capabilities of the technology being installed in their homes and that any requirements imposed by municipalities should remain within the authority granted by law.

One of the most important lessons I have learned is that these issues extend far beyond any single municipality. Ultimately, municipalities exercise powers that are granted to them by provincial governments. In my opinion, many provinces have delegated increasingly broad powers to municipalities without creating sufficient safeguards to protect fundamental rights, procedural fairness, privacy, property interests, and access to essential services.

Provincial governments often suggest that municipal decisions are matters for municipalities alone. However, municipalities are creatures of provincial legislation. Provinces create municipalities, define their powers, expand or restrict those powers, and can intervene when they choose to do so.

We have seen examples where provincial governments have overridden municipal preferences when they believed provincial action was warranted. Whether one agrees or disagrees with those decisions, they demonstrate that provinces retain ultimate legislative authority over municipalities.

For this reason, I encourage everyone following this issue not only to engage with their municipal representatives but also to contact their MPP, MLA, or other provincial representative. Ask them what safeguards they have put in place to ensure that municipal powers are exercised lawfully, proportionately, and with respect for the rights and freedoms of residents. Provincial governments should not be exempt from accountability when they are the source of the authority being exercised.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported this petition, shared information, signed, donated, and helped raise awareness of these issues. Your support has helped bring public attention to a matter that affects not only myself, but potentially many other residents as municipalities continue to expand the use of smart technologies.

Once the Judge releases the ruling, I will make it available to those who are interested in reviewing it. If you would like to receive a copy of the decision when it becomes available, please email me at:

ibeaudoin@rogers.com

and I will gladly share it with you.

I am also currently writing a book documenting my experience, the legal proceedings, the research I have conducted, and the broader issues surrounding smart meters, privacy, informed consent, and government accountability. I will keep supporters updated on its progress and announce the release date once it is available.

Thank you again for your continued support, encouragement, and commitment to this cause. Regardless of the outcome, I believe these issues deserve public discussion and careful scrutiny.

I will email the last update to those who provide their email as soon as the Court releases its decision.

With gratitude,

Isabelle Beaudoin