Key donation completes Kidd's Creek campaign

A healthy Lake Simcoe is one step closer

July 16, 2007 (Barrie, ON) - The campaign to renaturalize part of Kidd's Creek in downtown Barrie got a much needed boost today after Molson Canada, the country's oldest brewery, announced it would be making a $76,700 donation to help meet the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation's fundraising goal on July 13, 2007. Friday's announcement caps a yearlong goal to raise $205,000 that will help transform the marina parking lot on Lakeshore Drive into a revitalized oneacre greenspace. The City of Barrie and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Foundation provided the additional $395,000 needed to complete the project. "It's inspiring to see the private sector making this level of investment in the environment," said Kimberley MacKenzie, Executive Director of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation. "This donation is a good example of the kind of community leadership that is required for a healthy watershed." Once restricted to underground culverts, the creek has been restored to an open stream channel that provides habitat and spawning grounds for warm water fish species such as pumpkin seed, perch, bass and pike. The new stream and parkland will improve water and air quality, allow for cooler water to drain into Lake Simcoe, provide better flood controls for the City, and establish a natural corridor that links Heritage Park with Centennial Park. "We are proud to play our part in building a healthier Lake Simcoe," said Doug Vance, District Sales Manager for Molson Canada. "This project will have a significant impact on the Barrie waterfront and we hope other businesses get involved to ensure Simcoe remains a vibrant healthy community."

The final phase of the project will be a tree planting event in the fall, where the community will be invited to participate as the parkland - newly revitalized - will be given back to the citizens of Barrie.

"We look forward to the community event in the fall because this kind of achievement deserves a big celebration," said Ms MacKenzie. "This project has been a true demonstration of what can happen when we work together."

Representing the partnership at the cheque presentation were; City of Barrie Mayor Dave Aspden; Molson Canada District Sales Manager Doug Vance; Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation (LSCF) President Debby Beatty; Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA)Vice Chair Bobbie Drew