Ladies of the Lake - Naked Truth

The Ladies of the Lake held their Naked Truth Action Planning aboard the Serendipity Princess in Barrie on Saturday.

"This is a historic day, bring people together," stated Anabel Slaight, co-founder of the Ladies. "We have to wake up to our responsibility."

Before boarding, participants were shown a slide show from events that took place at their symposiums in June. Pictures of above, beside, below and on the water were featured, as well as quotations from people who took part.

Aboard the Serendipity, participants were given three stickers to mark on various board throughout the boat. They were to place their dots on what they felt were the most important issues facing Lake Simcoe. The categories of Community Eco-nomics, Sustainable Development, Healthy Shorelines, Treasuring the Lake, The Next generation, Research, Policy/Legislation, and Lake Unity were presented.

"They are an amazing group of ladies," said Lady and Innisfil watershed resident Mary Jane Brinkos. "They are the most active organization on the Lake."

Innisfil resident Ken Simpson said the Ladies have created an interest and awareness of the Lake that the general public should be aware of.

"For the next generation of Lake residents, we need to work on a sustainable Lake Simcoe."

Fellow Lady and Chair of the Windfall Ecology Centre, Hillary Van Welter said she was very pleased with the turnout of the 90 people or so taking part in the days event.

"Given this is a Saturday in August, people have taken the time to come out and support this and that's incredible."

Van Welter said roughly 170 people participated in their symposiums and the feedback the Ladies are getting is fantastic.

She refers to Lake Simcoe as 'her' and says there are so many parts to her and she is like a sick friend asking for help. And that cannot be ignored.

"We all have a different role to play," she said. "The Conservation Authority has a role, and other groups have a role as well. We have to see how we all fit together."

She said there is no one boss in the eco system, and the ideas are collective.

"We believe we need to unite, but not under one authority," she said. "A collective voice needs to be made."