Associate Chief Justice Dennis O’Connor raised a glass of water Thursday to toast the new Walkerton Clean Water Centre.
The 8.2 million dollar training centre, provides hands-on training for owners and operators of small and rural water systems.
It is equipped with life-size treatment systems, water pipes, a mini water tower and classrooms.
O’Connor included mandatory training and certification for water-system operators among his 121 recommendations following the Walkerton water disaster.
Seven people died and 25 hundred people became ill in May 2000 when heavy rain washed manure into a faulty municipal well.
The centre has already trained more than 23 thousand water-system operators.
O’Conner tells Bayshore Broadcasting News he was honoured to be there today.
Environment Minister John Gerretson, and Huron Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell were also on hand for the ceremony.
A public open house for the new Walkerton clean water centre, is set for this Saturday from 10 AM until 2 PM.
