25 years later, Walkerton, Ont., bears the scars but has bounced back
It’s been 25 years since the Walkerton, Ont., tainted water tragedy nearly killed her daughter, and Trudy Fraser still does not feel comfortable drinking tap water. The events of that fateful Victoria Day weekend in 2000 are etched in her memory forever. The massive rainstorm that washed deadly E. coli bacteria into one of the wells that supplied Walkerton’s water led to the deaths of seven people and made 2,300 others sick. The inquiry that followed revealed a horrifying truth – the people managing the town’s water system had not been properly trained and were falsifying test results.
Fraser’s daughter, Allyssa Schnurr, was one of the victims of the tainted water. At just 17 years old, she fell gravely ill and was rushed to hospital, where she spent weeks in intensive care undergoing life-saving treatments. Although she survived, the effects of the infection linger to this day. Schnurr’s renal function is compromised, and she must take medication and watch her diet carefully to manage her health. The trauma of that time still haunts her, leading her and her husband to decide against having a second child due to the risks involved.
The scars of the Walkerton tragedy run deep in the community. Bruce Davidson, who formed a citizens’ group to advocate for a judicial inquiry into the events, recalls the fear and uncertainty that gripped the town. The government’s failure to ensure safe drinking water and the resulting devastation left a lasting impact on everyone who lived through it. While improvements have been made in water monitoring and training since the inquiry, concerns about water safety persist.
Despite the progress made in water management, Walkerton residents still face stigma and painful memories. Many prefer to leave the past behind and focus on rebuilding and moving forward. Mayor Chris Peabody acknowledges the town’s resilience and unity in the face of adversity. The community has come together to support one another and rebuild, showing strength and determination in the aftermath of tragedy.
As the 25th anniversary of the Walkerton tainted water tragedy approaches, the town grapples with how to mark the occasion. While some wish to honor the victims and remember what happened, others prefer to keep the painful memories at bay. Ultimately, a low-key approach is chosen, with the Walkerton Clean Water Centre hosting tours and the memorial garden receiving upgrades. For Trudy Fraser, the anniversary serves as a reminder of the precious gift of life and the importance of never taking clean water for granted. The scars may remain, but the spirit of resilience and community in Walkerton endures.
