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.
Today, 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.
