Lake Simcoe protection plans are underway

The recent announcement by the province to invest another $23 million toward protecting sources of drinking water means just over $3.2 million will benefit the region surrounding Lake Simcoe.

The funding was given to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority as the lead agency in the region known as the South Georgian Bay - Lake Simcoe Source Protection Region.

The region encompasses four watersheds: Lake Simcoe, Nottawasaga, Severn Sound and the Black River.

The work being done to finish the scientific groundwork and to prepare a protection plan is overseen by a source protection committee chaired by Innisfil councillor Lynn Dollin.

"This additional funding supports municipalities to protect drinking water supplies from overuse and contamination," Dollin said. "It will help us finish stage one, the scientific studies that will provide an accurate picture of how water supplies are replenished and to identify the hazards that might put them at risk."

She said the protection plan will recommend actions to accomplish two objectives; reducing risks from existing threats and preventing new problems from occurring.

"(Eventually) we will move on to stage two, an action plan that will help municipalities protect their drinking water by reducing or eliminating these hazards," said Dollin. "It's important that the plan is based on a sound scientific foundation to ensure that it is both effective and defensible."