US EditionA Deadly E. Coli Outbreak in Walkerton, Ont., Changed Everything 25 Years Ago
- On May 17, 2000, Walkerton, Ontario, experienced Canada’s worst E. Coli O157 outbreak, caused by manure-contaminated drinking water that sickened about 2,300 people and killed seven.
- The outbreak resulted from a combination of heavy rainfall washing cattle manure into a well, human negligence, resource shortages, and delays in public warning by operators Stan and Frank Koebel.
- The health emergency sparked widespread public anger and prompted a nearly two-year investigation overseen by Justice Dennis O'Connor of Ontario, which resulted in recommendations aimed at enhancing water safety.
- About 1.3 million Ontarians rely on private wells, and a 2025 auditor general report found 35% of samples positive for bacterial indicators, urging “timely and transparent” implementation of water safety reforms.
- Although major improvements have been made to water testing and legal regulations, many First Nations communities in northern Ontario still face significant challenges in obtaining safe drinking water.
32 Articles
32 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
A deadly E. coli outbreak in Walkerton, Ont., changed everything 25 years ago
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
Cambridge Times
Food recall issued for dessert sold in Canada due to E. coli
Poppies brand Mini Éclairs have been recalled due to generic E. coli. Other food recalls in Canada this week include recalls for spinach and kale, muffins, pesto pasta sauce and pumpkin seeds.
Back to Walkerton's E. Coli Outbreak that Changed Everything 25 Years Ago - Canada French
Bruce Davidson remembers the epidemic of E. coli, which ravaged his hometown 25 years ago as a "quiet dream." The small Ontario community hospital in Walkerton, usually little frequented, was suddenly overwhelmed by patients with severe diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. The first cases were reported on May 17, 2000. Soon, the municipality, located about 140 kilometres north of London, Ontario, lacked diarrhea medication, the emergency depar…
FPSA - Mini Éclairs recalled in Canada after testing finds E. coli
Poppies Bakeries LLC is recalling Poppies brand Mini Éclairs from the marketplace because of possible generic E. coli contamination. This recall was triggered by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency test results. The recalled product has been sold in British Columbia and Ontario, Canada and may have been distributed in other provinces and territories. Recalled product: Poppies – Mini Éclairs Size: 455 g UPC: 0 08563 95450 1 Codes: Best Before: 2…
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