Protecting fresh water means securing a cleaner, sustainable future for all. Lake Simcoe is a vital body of water key to life in southern Ontario - supporting recreation, biodiversity, livelihood, Indigenous culture, agriculture, tourism, and economic prosperity. It is the largest inland lake in southern Ontario and a major source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Action to protect this lake will have a positive impact on many Canadians lives for future generations.
On March 6, Leah Taylor Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora Oak Ridges Richmond Hill, and Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament for Newmarket Aurora on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, announced an investment of over $1 Million in three (3) freshwater projects for the protection of Lake Simcoe.
As part of the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative, these projects promote innovative and collaborative approaches to tackle phosphorus pollution and support sustainable nutrient management. Measures focus specifically on promoting sustainable farming practices and targeting pollution head-on.
The projects funded are the following:
- $469,570 to the Holland Marsh Growers Association to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe by promoting sustainable farming practices and using innovative approaches to reduce phosphorus runoff.
- $412,700 to McGill University to demonstrate and evaluate best management practices to reduce phosphorus runoff from urban and agricultural sources in the Lake Simcoe watershed and to engage the community through outreach and events.
- $412,700 to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe by prioritizing agricultural best practices and assessing their effectiveness under climate change.
Sustained efforts through initiatives like the Freshwater Action Plan and the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative support community-led solutions to prevent toxic and nuisance algae and restore the lake's health. By funding these projects, the Government of Canada is directly addressing phosphorus pollution and taking action to protect and preserve this crucial water body. Proactive approaches like these ensure the health of the ecosystem and the well-being of local and Indigenous communities that depend on the lake.
Quotes
"The funding announced today demonstrates Canada's commitment to ensuring our fresh water is clean, safe, and well managed for all. The community-led initiatives here at Lake Simcoe will make a significant difference in phosphorus pollution in the region, helping us protect this lake for future generations."
- The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency
"A key part of my community, the funding announced today for Lake Simcoe is a crucial step forward. Supporting agriculture, tourism, drinking water, culture and more these projects will empower non-profits, conservation organizations, and academic institutions to act directly and make an impact for us all."
- Tony Van Bynen, Member of Parliament for Newmarket-Aurora
"I am incredibly pleased with the investments our government has made for Lake Simcoe, a pillar of life here in southern Ontario. Through these innovative projects, and collaborations with partners, such as local farmers, we are committed to investing in the future of this vital body of water. I am looking forward to seeing the progress these projects make on phosphorus pollution in the region."
- Leah Taylor-Roy, Member of Parliament for Aurora-Oak Ridges Richmond Hill
"There is an urgent need to look at long-term sustainable solutions for the reduction of phosphorus loads and excess nutrient build up in Lake Simcoe. Nature based solutions offer tremendous potential, and these need to be evaluated under the various hydrological, agricultural, and environmental conditions that are unique to the basin."
- Chandra A. Madramootoo, Distinguished James McGill Professor
"For decades, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and its partners have been working to reduce phosphorus loads to Lake Simcoe. This project will allow us to continue supporting those efforts while also exploring new opportunities to strengthen environmental resilience in the face of a changing climate", said Bill Thompson, Manager, Watershed Plans and Strategies at Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority."
- Bill Thompson, Manager, Watershed Plans and Strategies at Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
"Farmers are the stewards of their land and are always looking for tools to support the conservation of the environment. The Holland Marsh Growers Association's Bufferstrip Project will allow farmers to examine different approaches to filtering run-off in the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Holland Marsh Growers Association would like to thank the Canada Water Agency for their support and this amazing funding opportunity."
- Jody Mott, Executive Director, Holland Marsh Growers Association
Quick facts
- The Lake Simcoe region is one of the fastest growing in Canada, with a strong recreation and tourism industry.
- The watershed includes diverse natural, urban, and agricultural systems, including parts of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
- Lake Simcoe is the largest inland lake in southern Ontario and a major source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Canadians.
- The Canada Water Agency is the federal focal point for fresh water and is delivering key elements of the Freshwater Action Plan to help improve coordination, collaboration, and partnership with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples to respond to Canada's most pressing freshwater challenges.
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