LSRCA works closely with municipalities

Dear editor,

On August 30th, an editorial comment appeared in the Innisfil Scope. It was an overview of some aspects of the Intergovernmental Action Plan (IGAP) that seem to be the subject of recent controversy and it referred to a resolution from the Board of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority regarding this matter. The editorial stated that the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority is in direct opposition to some municipalities.

In fact, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority does not oppose municipalities. We work closely with municipalities across the watershed important partners who share very worthwhile environmental projects. The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation

Authority works alongside with municipalities and other partners to promote a healthy watershed. Our work includes monitoring phosphorus levels and advocating a long range reduction of phosphorus in the lake in order to improve water quality and self sustaining cold water fishery. Phosphorus loading targets were adopted back in Phase 1 of the Intergovernmental Action Plan in 2005 and have also been an integral part of the work of the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy (LSEMS) since 1990.

Recently, consultants presented a report on Phase 3 of IGAP with recommendations that included eight growth management options. We have reviewed the report, and at the August meeting of the LSRCA Board, our Directors took

a strong position against all of these options because none of them is comparable with the phosphorus targets established and accepted through LSEMS and IGAP Phase 1. We sent you a copy of our resolution last week.

The Conservation Authority supports sustainable growth that conforms to the phosphorus targets of LSEMS and IGAP Phase 1. What we do oppose is development that is not sustainable or that has significant detrimental impacts on the lake and the watershed.

We hope it is clear that we value a cooperative relationship with our municipal partners while we support sustainable growth within the watershed.

Roy Bridge, Chair, Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority