Ontario Investing $289,000 in Youth Stewardship of Lake Simcoe
Friday, May 3, 2024
Ontario Investing $289,000 in Youth Stewardship of Holland River and Lake Simcoe
Province supporting youth from York-Simcoe boost activities to restore and
protect Lake Simcoe for future generations
Friday, May 3, 2024
BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY – The Ontario government is investing over $289,000 in local projects to benefit Lake Simcoe, that are engaging local youth and community members. These environmental stewardship projects will directly benefit the Holland Marsh and improve water quality in the Holland River and Lake Simcoe
Aquatic Vegetation Management Holland Marsh Drains – Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury – Develop and implement an innovative program to reduce the amount of phosphorus that is in the water entering Lake Simcoe from the Holland Marsh by removing aquatic vegetation in the Main Drain within the Holland Marsh. The project will determine the benefits and cost of using this method to remove phosphorus.
River Buffer Holland Marsh Drains – Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury – Stabilize the banks of the Main Drain in Holland Marsh, including by planting vegetation, to reduce bank failures and soil erosion, which will reduce the amount of phosphorus that is in the water entering Lake Simcoe from the Holland Marsh.
Some of the funding allocated is also supporting the Orillia Museum of Art and History which will be providing environmental stewardship activities like workshops, field trips and other educational opportunities that are focused on restoring the Lake Simcoe watershed. Youth will design an urban park along the shoreline of Lake Simcoe, including creating art and environmental educational displays about protecting Lake Simcoe.
“Our government is continuing to invest in the long-term health of Lake Simcoe,” said Caroline Mulroney, MPP for York–Simcoe. “These projects will benefit both the Holland Marsh and the south shores of Lake Simcoe as we continue to keep the water clean and reduce phosphorus from entering our watershed.”
Funding for these projects is part of the over $37 million the government – including the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, and Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – has invested since 2018 as it works to improve the health of Lake Simcoe and its watershed under the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. This investment includes the $24 million announced in the 2024 Ontario Budget for the innovative phosphorus reduction project to help reduce phosphorus discharges into Lake Simcoe.
QUOTES
“As a mother and someone who has lived in the Barrie area for many years, I am grateful to have a partner like the Orillia Museum of Art and History to help inspire the next generation and encourage them to take a more active role in the health of Lake Simcoe. Together with our community partners, we are making important progress on actions to keep the lake and its watershed clean and healthy not only for residents today, but for future generations.”
Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
“We have an important role on Council to be community and environmental stewards. Reducing pollution into the Holland River through these projects is so important to the health of our watershed. They both play a significant role in improving our local environment and build on our ongoing commitment to operate a safe, healthy, and sustainable BWG for all.”
James Leduc, Mayor, Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
“These investments to protect the Holland River and Lake Simcoe are nature-based solutions. We’re using the power of plants to organically filter our water. It’s such a simple concept but an important contribution to a clean environment. I’d like to thank Minister Khanjin and Minister Mulroney for their support, and Frank Jonkman, our drainage superintendent, for spearheading the project, alongside the Holland Marsh Growers Association and our Green Initiatives Advisory Committee.”
Jonathan Scott, Councillor – Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury
QUICK FACTS
- 19 multi-year projects that support the implementation of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, helping to build healthier and stronger communities across the region.
- recent instances of successful natural reproduction of cold-water fish species like Lake Whitefish, Burbot and Cisco.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Learn how Ontario is protecting Lake Simcoe
Read the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan
Read the 2021-2022 Lake Simcoe Annual Report
Read the Minister’s 10-Year Report on Lake Simcoe
MEDIA CONTACT
Marisa Patricelli
marisa.patricelli@pc.ola.org
905-895-1555