ALEXANDRIA — Farmers in Glengarry County say a fair compensation model still hasn’t been built into the Clean Water Act and they’re getting fed up.

The province is hearing similar grumblings at meetings from here to Windsor. At Alexandria recently, the Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program (ODWPS) committee members attempted to gather public comment on how the program should operate.

What they heard most often from about 35 people was that the existing payment program doesn’t compensate farmers when the act prohibits or restricts certain uses or activities on their properties.

For landowners like Prescott-Russell Landowner Doug Tisdall, a lack of compensation has also been an issue with the Endangered Species Act.

Local stewardship program representative Dan Allaire recommended farmers write their concerns about compensation into the surveys, which he said are sent unfiltered to the Ministry of the Environment.

"Put pen to paper," he urged farmers. "Whatever we get, we send to them. We can help you get the message up there but we can’t amend the act."

Tisdall said that after 120 changes to the act, compensation still hasn’t been included.

"That’s just a fact," he said. "It’s a flaw that could lead to an uprising when the people start to realize they’ve got their property made into a public domain and regulations are being applied that prevents them from earning a livelihood."

Said Allaire: "Tonight is your chance to let the ministry know how to improve financial assistance."

He said surveys that were handed out to those in attendance could also be filled out online at www.yourdrinkingwater.ca.

"I’m not saying this is going to change anything but what I’m encouraging you to do is: let them know," Allaire said. "Don’t stop."

The Clean Water Act established the ODWSP to pay people for projects like well repairs and septic system upgrades. Stewardship programs project lead Ronda Boutz said about $90,000 remains in the local fund. Once that’s gone, property owners will be paying out of pocket, unless more funding is provided. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture signed off on the act, saying it was pleased with the funding program but that the challenge is to ensure adequate ongoing funding.