Making Progress On Protecting Lake Simcoe

[Spiel]

February 17, 2010

 

Making Progress On Protecting Lake Simcoe

McGuinty Government Seeks Public Input On Reducing Phosphorus Levels

 

NEWS

 

Ontarians are invited to comment on key pieces of the government’s plan to restore the health of Lake Simcoe and its watershed.

 

As part of implementing the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, the government is seeking public input on:

• A proposed phosphorus reduction strategy that looks at setting targets and options for reducing loading from all sources around the lake
  
• A study on the feasibility of using water quality trading as a tool to reduce phosphorus
  
• A discussion paper on regulating shoreline protection.
  

The documents are posted for comment on the Environmental Registry at www.ontario.ca/environmentalregistry. The Ministry of the Environment is holding public information sessions in Newmarket on February 17, Barrie on February 22, Uxbridge on February 25 and Ramara on March 3.

 

QUOTES

 

"Restoring the health of Lake Simcoe is going to take the combined effort of everyone in the watershed over a long period of time. We need your help in shaping the plan and providing input on these strategies in the months ahead."

 

- John Gerretsen, Minister of the Environment

 

"Local input and support for the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan has been a key part of its success. We’re at an important stage in the implementation of the plan and I encourage everyone who lives, works and plays along its shores to get involved in this consultation process."

 

- Aileen Carroll, MPP Barrie

 

QUICK FACTS

 

The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan’s long-term goal is to reduce the phosphorus loading from 72 to 44 tonnes a year to improve water quality.

The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan came into effect in June 2009 following the passage of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act, 2008.

 

LEARN MORE

• About the government's consultation on key pieces of implementing the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.
  
• About the public information sessions.
  
• About protecting Lake Simcoe.
  

Contacts:

 

John Karapita, Minister’s Office, 416-314-6736

Kate Jordan, Ministry of the Environment, 416-314-6666

 

Contact information for the general public:

 

416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923/

www.ontario.ca/environment