• Living in Goulais, Searchmont, and surrounding areas, means having the privilege of the Goulais River as a part of our daily life. We swim in these waters, our families play along its banks, and we rely on it for so many aspects of our community life. But now, a ski hill nearby has been permitted to dump treated wastewater into our precious river, and this is a decision we all need to take a stand against. 
  
  This act disrespects our community and threatens the well-being of our ecosystem. The Goulais River is not just a body of water; it is a living, breathing part of our environment that supports a wide range of wildlife. Fish, birds, and other critters call this river home, and introducing treated wastewater can disrupt this delicate balance. Even with treatment, these waters can still carry chemicals that might alter the natural water chemistry, potentially harming aquatic life and those of us who enjoy these waters for recreation.
  
  Imagine taking your family for a swim, knowing that treated waste is being mixed into the very water that laps at your feet. It's a discomforting thought and it represents a shortsighted vision of environmental management that prioritizes corporate interests over ecological health. The ski hill’s decision reflects a disregard for our local community's well-being and the broader implications for our planetary health.
  
  We understand the need for wastewater management, but there must be alternative solutions that do not involve polluting a vital natural resource. Instead of using our river as a convenient disposal site, the ski hill should invest in sustainable, environmentally friendly wastewater solutions. Methods such as advanced water recycling systems or constructed wetlands could be explored to treat and reuse wastewater without harming our cherished Goulais River. If the water is already being treated, wouldn’t it be smarter and more ecologically sustainable to recycle and reuse it at the ski resort for things like plumbing or snowmaking, rather than disposing of it into the river?
  
  It's crucial to hold corporate entities accountable for their environmental impacts. Let's insist that they responsibly manage their wastewater. Demand that they respect the integrity of our community and environment. We must encourage the exploration of innovative, sustainable alternatives that protect our waterway for future generations. This is about more than protecting our enjoyment; it's about safeguarding our collective future.
  
  Please support this petition to urge local authorities and the ski hill management to rethink their wastewater strategy and develop an environmentally sustainable plan that preserves the integrity of the Goulais River and respects the community it supports. Sign this petition to stand against the disposal of treated wastewater into our river.

Alternative Sustainable Solutions

Soo Today article

Resorts Statement