Freshwater Future Weekly: November 6, 2026

This week: Take Action: Provincial Bill Threatens Clean Water, Transparency, and Public Engagement; Win! Minnesota Data Centre Settlement Requires Stronger Environmental Review; Mindfulness and Movement

Provincial Bill Threatens Clean Water, Transparency, and Public Engagement

The government of Ontario introduced a new bill, the Building Ontario Faster Act, that aims to fast-track developments at the expense of environmental protections, transparency, and democratic processes. This bill includes many harmful provisions such as gutting the Environmental Bill of Rights law, which gives residents the right to engage in and challenge decisions that may compromise a healthful environment.  Freshwater Future encourages residents to submit comments voicing your opposition of the bill, especially changes to the Environmental Bill of Rights. Don’t wait, the consultation period ends on November 26th.

Win! Minnesota Data Centre Settlement Requires Stronger Environmental Review

A Minnesota data centre will be the first to undergo a state-led environmental review. The environmental review is a settlement agreement between a Minnesota-based nonprofit, data centre developer, and the City of Pine Island. The settlement requires a comprehensive environmental review, including groundwater, surface water, and wastewater disposal, energy impacts, air pollution, light and noise pollution, and more. The public will have multiple opportunities to review and comment on the final environmental study and development plans. 

Upcoming Online Events

Take Some Time for Yourself on December 9th!

Water advocacy is demanding work. Refresh and restore during the holiday season by registering for our monthly Mindfulness & Movement session. Jonathan Relucio, a mindfulness teacher with over 20 years of experience will guide attendees through this 45-minute session, starting at 10:30 am CT / 11:30 am ET. Register today and share with others that may be interested! Sessions are free and open to all. Past sessions can be accessed here – please email info@freshwaterfuture.org to request the password. 

Job Opportunities

Freshwater Future shares partners and other organizations’ job opportunities. Check out current openings here. Email info@freshwaterfuture.org to add your organization’s open position!

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