by Colin Perkel
Frank Koebel, foreman of the Walkerton Public Utilities Commission, leaves after telling a judicial inquiry he didn’t believe in chlorination and he falsified safety records.
Brent Davis/The Record, Kitchener, Ontario
Ontario Appeal Court Justice Dennis O’Connor headed the comprehensive judicial inquiry into the disaster. His fairness, sensitivity and gentle humour endeared him to the people of Walkerton.
Acknowledgements
THIS BOOK would not have been possible had it not been for the solid support of my employer, The Canadian Press. Special thanks to Eric Morrison, Scott White, Paul Woods, Lee-Anne Goodman, and Wendy McCann, to Peter Cameron for his title suggestion, and to Ron Poling for providing the quality CP photographs, taken by some of the best news photographers in North America. Of course, neither their pictures nor my words would have been printed without McClelland & Stewart. Thanks to president Doug Gibson, and to Jonathan Webb, not only for recognizing the value of this undertaking, but for his excellent guidance and exceptional editing. A huge nod, too, to Heather Sangster for an outstanding copy edit.
To my media colleagues for whom Walkerton was not just another story, congratulations on a job well done. It is through the fine reporting of people such as Kate Harries of the Toronto Star and Dave Seglins of CBC Radio that Canadians came to understand at least some of what happened. Your work kept me on my toes. A special mention must go to Brent Davis of the Record, a young news photographer who discovered he’s a darn fine reporter as well. CKNX radio deserves credit for its extensive coverage of the tragedy and aftermath that served its listeners in and around Walkerton so well.
So many people have, in smaller or larger ways, contributed to the creation of this book. To those who indulged my enthusiasm for the undertaking, thank you for listening. Brendan Howley, who did more than listen: your insights and encouragement were invaluable. To freelance reporter Pat Halpin, my favourite Bruce County girl, your help is much appreciated, your friendship special.
In presenting some of the fascinating history of the town and area, I have drawn freely from the work and anecdotes of Lloyd (The Cordwainer) Cartwright, whose wife, Marie, makes the best cream of carrot soup I’ve ever had, as well as on Norman Robertson’s History of the County of Bruce. Dale Wilson added some historical perspective and, as importantly, compiled the index. John Finlay helped me with the ground-level view of the town, while Phil Englishman provided a solid overview from his small plane.
To Jeanette, Shary, Kayla, and Danielle, thanks for putting up with my babbling and absences and for being proud of me. I love you.
Many people in Walkerton wanted no part of this. With an ongoing police investigation and judicial inquiry, it’s not hard to see why. For some, the pain remains all too fresh even now. But many did share with me their stories, their thoughts, their hopes, fears and tears. It was a privilege and I hope you have not misplaced your trust. It was a treat being invited into your homes and helped make the many months I spent in town that much more pleasant. Your community has a special place in this big-city boy’s heart.
Finally, there is little doubt that without the skill, tireless determination, and sensitivity of Dennis O’Connor and his judicial inquiry team, the complete story of the Walkerton tragedy would likely never have emerged (and a snowbound motorist might have spent a whole lot longer in a ditch). They are owed an immense debt of gratitude because it is only through knowing what happened that, as we all so fervently hope, there might never be another Walkerton.