New Events – Save your Spot!
Community-led Fundraising: Getting Your Supporters to Raise Funds
May 19th at 12 pm ET
In our next monthly learning session, Freshwater Future will discuss how to engage supporters to help fundraise for your organization. Also known as “peer-to-peer” fundraising, supporters can be powerful allies to increase donations on your behalf. This event will not be recorded, so please attend to learn useful tips and strategies! Register here!
Mindfulness and Movement
Join Freshwater Future for this free 45-minute session with Jonathan Relucio, an expert with over 20 years of experience. All are welcome to join!
Southeast Michigan Water Utility Pauses Water Access for Data Centers
In response to the local township board’s unanimous request for a ban, the Ypsilanti Community Utilities Authority passed a twelve-month moratorium on supplying water to data centers. The utility is concerned that, due to its limited service capacity, providing water and wastewater services to data centers could limit future housing construction and the opening of new businesses. Two massive data center projects have been proposed in the utility’s service area. One in Ypsilanti Township is opposed by the community, but is exempt from local zoning because it is being developed by a university. The second data center recently gained rezoning approval in the neighboring township despite strong community opposition, but additional approvals are still needed. If you are fighting large water withdrawals in your community and are interested in connecting with others working on this issue, contact Alana at alana@freshwaterfuture.org.
Ontario Government Fast Tracks Bill to Officially Merge Most Conservation Authorities
Despite significant opposition from residents, watershed organizations, and local governments, Provincial leaders recently moved ahead to consolidate 35 conservation authorities into 8 by including them in the large budget bill, Bill 97. Lawmakers bypassed the standard process, cutting out committee reviews and public hearings. One significant change to the Conservation Authorities Act is to maintain the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority and rename it the Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority. Despite these changes, Freshwater Future remains dedicated to supporting local advocates and organizations working hard to protect their local waters.