2026-06-23 LOCAL STUDENTS CHAMPION PROTECTION OF QUINTE DRINKING WATER SOURCES
Local students once again showcased ways to protect drinking water sources by producing engaging radio advertisements through the Gary Fox Drinking Water Protection Contest, formerly known as the Drinking Water Protection Radio Contest.
Quinte Source Water challenged students in Grades 4 through 9 to work in groups to create 30-second radio advertisements promoting ways to protect local drinking water sources. More than 30 student-produced entries were submitted, each highlighting methods of environmental stewardship aimed at protecting drinking water. Students competed for a special class prize, which included a virtual tour of Belleville’s Gerry O’Connor Water Treatment Plant hosted by Supervisor Kevin Cardinal and Water Treatment Operator Joanne Biggs, and a pizza lunch generously provided by Westside Pizza.
Winners Anna and Graycen from Ms. Marriott’s Grade 4/5 class at Susanna Moodie Public School visited Loyalist College’s 91X radio station to professionally record their ad for production and broadcast, which can be heard on air until August. The team at 91X continues to be an integral partner, generously donating studio time and editing services while providing youth with a unique opportunity to experience the operational side of radio.
“All of the submissions this year were fantastic. It’s inspiring to hear students so engaged in learning about and sharing how we can protect the Quinte region’s source water,” said Claire Vandervoort, Source Water Protection Technical Assistant at Quinte Conservation. “Anna and Graycen highlighted practical actions we can all take to ensure our drinking water sources remain clean, safe, and reliable.”
In addition, Anna and Graycen’s class won a prize pack featuring a Water Rangers Education Test Kit donated by Let’s Talk Science, as well as a FoodCycler Eco3 unit provided by the City of Belleville’s Environmental Services.
To hear Anna and Graycen’s winning ad and learn more about the Gary Fox Drinking Water Protection Contest, visit quintesourcewater.ca/swp-radio-contest.
The contest was renamed in memory of the late Gary Fox, a former Agricultural Representative and founding member of the Quinte Source Protection Committee, who dedicated more than 20 years to advocating for the protection of local drinking water sources. Through the renaming of this contest, the Committee hopes to honour and preserve Gary’s legacy.
About Quinte Source Water Protection
The Quinte Source Protection Authority (SPA) and the Quinte Source Protection Committee (SPC) were formed under the Clean Water Act, 2006 and Ontario Regulation 288/07. The SPC is responsible for providing cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership for source water protection to four watersheds (Moira, Napanee, Salmon, and Prince Edward County). The SPA and SPC work together to serve 18 municipalities to ensure that municipal drinking water sources are protected through the Quinte Source Protection Plan. More information about Quinte Source Water Protection is available at www.quintesourcewater.ca.
About Quinte Conservation
Quinte Conservation is a community-based environmental protection agency. It serves 18 municipalities in the watersheds of the Moira, Napanee and Salmon Rivers and Prince Edward County. It provides cost-effective environmental expertise and leadership. Quinte Conservation’s main goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem where people and nature live in harmony. More information about Quinte Conservation is available at www.quinteconservation.ca.
About Gary Fox
To honour former Agricultural Representative, Gary Fox, Quinte Conservation’s Source Protection Committee is pleased to announce the renaming of the Drinking Water Protection Radio Contest to the Gary Fox Drinking Water Protection Contest.
Gary Fox was a founding member of the Quinte Source Protection Committee and played a valuable role in the development of the Quinte Source Protection Plan, serving on the committee until his passing. He was a proud and passionate communicator, who strongly supported source water protection and the committee’s goal of ensuring that the drinking water tragedy which arose in Walkerton would never occur again.
Gary Fox had over 30 years of public service experience across municipal, county, and provincial levels, including serving as a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1995 to 1999; he was educated at the University of Guelph and completed its Advanced Agriculture Leadership Program. He has held numerous leadership and founding roles in local agricultural and environmental organizations. In addition to his public service, Gary was the Senior Partner of Fox Farms, a diversified farming operation in Bloomfield.
Gary supported efforts to protect drinking water sources beyond those identified under the Clean Water Act, by promoting source water protection in rural Ontario communities, demonstrating his concern for the needs of rural communities. The Quinte Source Protection Committee was fortunate to work alongside Gary Fox and hopes this renaming will help honour and preserve his legacy for years to come.
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For immediate inquiries, contact:
Claire Vandervoort,
Source Water Protection Technical Assistant 613-968-3434 ext. 165
cvandervoort@quinteconservation.ca