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Walkerton, Ontario

Walkerton is a small town in Bruce County, Ontario, 75 km southwest of Owen Sound. It became suddenly famous throughout Canada in May 2000 after the town's water supply became contaiminated with E. coli bacteria. Seven people were killed and at least 2,300 became ill.

Following a thorough enquiry by Justice Dennis O'Connor, much of the blame was laid at the door of the operators of the water supply. In particular:

A tightening of procedures for water supply throughout Ontario was instituted as a result.

[A similar outbreak struck North Battleford, Saskatchewan in 2001.]

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