Lake Simcoe targeted by action plan
By Chris Simon

Several political leaders and environmental groups are applauding the province's plan to clean-up Lake Simcoe.

Last week, the Ontario government released Protecting Lake Simcoe: Creating Ontario's Strategy for Action, a strategy for the long-term health and clean-up of the lake. The plan includes the establishment of a scientific advisory committee, and the reduction of phosphorous discharges entering the lake from sewage treatment plants by 7.3 tons per year.

Although York-Simcoe MPP Julia Munro supports the goals of the plan, she says it fails to explain who will cover its costs.

"Protecting Lake Simcoe must be a priority for the government," she said. "But if the province is going to institute special requirements on Lake Simcoe watershed municipalities to improve their sewer systems, it must provide them with special funding."

Munro worries the plan may become a financial burden for municipalities.

"Lake Simcoe municipalities must not be required to shoulder a financial burden that other municipalities will not have to face," she said. "The Ontario Liberals should be providing specific funding for Lake Simcoe cleanup, but their record so far shows little hope. Cutting phosphorous limits is a good first step, but the government has so far failed to provide any substantial funding to clean up the lake."

Last month, the federal government pledged $18 million over five years for the clean-up of the lake, in addition to $12 million in funding that has already been allocated. York-Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan would like to see the province match that $30 million funding total.

"The time for study is over. It is now time to act to clean up the lake," he said. "I call upon the provincial government to match the federal funding announced to preserve and protect the lake. While the provincial government says they want a 'gold standard' for the lake's environment, they aren't providing any gold. It's time to step up, match the federal dollars and actually do something."

The lake has already undergone several studies from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority. That organization suggests that a $100 million investment in the lake is needed for adequate cleanup, says Van Loan.

However, conservation authority staff say the provincial plan is a step forward for the lake.

"We applaud the Ontario government for their commitment to the vital effort to protect and restore the lake," said LSRCA board chair Virginia Hackson. "The formation of the science advisory committee is the next logical step in a process that we expect will be very beneficial for this watershed."

Others agree.

"It took more than 30 years for human activity to reduce this great lake to its current ailing state," said Annabel Slaight, co-founder of the Ladies of the Lake. "An ecological disaster can't be cured overnight, but this is another great step forward, particularly because it envisions residents of the watershed and government working hand in hand."

The plan will also seek public input into the best strategies for cleaning up the lake, something the authority strongly supports, said LSRCA CAO Gayle Wood.

"There are many stakeholders in this watershed who are concerned about the future of the lake," she said. "We think they should be involved in a healthy dialogue, and we look forward to working with them and with the province to ensure that our collective action is most effective in our effort to protect and restore the lake."

Some hope the plan will eventually lead to the protection of natural habitats throughout the lake's watershed.

"We look forward to the recognition that maintaining the natural cover of woodlands and wetlands in the watershed is one of the main defences against pollutants entering Lake Simcoe and is also the key to conserving the watershed's diversity of animal and plant life, including the 30 species at risk found there," said Caroline Schultz, executive director of Ontario Nature.

The government hopes the plan will receive second reading in the Ontario Legislature in June.