Liberals have ignored Lake Simcoe - response

From the Barrie Examiner : The Liberals have ignored Lake Simcoe - regards to Connie Speck's letter to the editor, I find it ironic that she has the gall to say this after years of Dalton McGuinty and his Liberal government just standing by and watching this beautiful resource deteriorate.
It took the hard work and diligence of local MP Patrick Brown to bring in the much needed funds. In the 2007 federal budget, he ensured that Lake Simcoe would be receiving $12 million, the largest investment ever in the lake by a federal government. Furthermore, if Ms. Speck wanted to see Lake Simcoe even further protected and better funded, she would help elect a John Tory government in October since both he, and local MPP Joe Tascona, have vowed that if a Tory government is elected, they will match Brown's hard won $12 million and place another $12 million in preserving the lake.

Tory’s plan earmarks millions for Lake Simcoe - pledge 12M

Tory’s plan earmarks millions for Lake Simcoe

Leigh Blenkhorn photo PC Leader John Tory was in Barrie Wednesday to pledge support for Lake Simcoe. He was joined by local MPP Joe Tascona and Barrie federal MP Patrick Brown
John Tory, leader of the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, made a stop in Barrie Wednesday to pledge $12 million to protect Lake Simcoe.
If elected, he said the Conservatives would invest the money over the next two years in the form of a Lake Simcoe Action Fund.
Tory’s announcement follows a similar move by Premier Dalton McGuinty, who unveiled a Lake Simcoe Protection Act in Barrie on July 6.
“It will be used to fund existing organizations and other new programs designed to preserve and improve the health of the lake,” Tory said. “This would represent a new investment in Lake Simcoe by the government of Ontario, something that should have been taken place before now.”
Tory has created an eight-point plan for the lake that includes providing the funds, creating a governance structure for the lake, creating a Lake Simcoe Charter, increasing funding for water and wastewater infrastructure and stopping the dumping of primary sewage.
He has also proposed the hiring of more conservation officers, the conservation of more green space, and an investment for better GO Train service through the area to reduce pollution.
“We are going to take real action on Lake Simcoe to ensure that it’s protected and preserved for future generations.”
Tory said he feels strongly about protecting the lake and that is why he mentions it specifically in the party’s platform.
“When it came time that I could buy a cottage for our family, I bought one on Lake Simcoe because I’d grown up here, and I love it here and I treasure the lake, so it’s something that provides me with additional motivation beyond the public interest that rests in doing something about the lake.”
Tory was joined on Barrie’s waterfront for the announcement by area Conservative politicians, Barrie-Simcoe-Bradford MPP Joe Tascona, Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop, Simcoe Grey MPP Jim Wilson and PC candidate for the new riding of York Simcoe, Julia Munro.
Tascona said the funding would help the efforts of local groups and residents to protect the lake.
“It’s been too long that we’ve said we’re going to do this, and we’re going to do that,” he said. “We have got to get everyone together that’s got a stake in Lake Simcoe, the municipalities, conservation authorities, the citizens.”
Wilson said the announcement is not only important for the communities on the lake, but for all communities in the Lake Simcoe ecosystem.
“My municipalities in Simcoe Grey from Alliston to Collingwood are all affected by Lake Simcoe and all of our rivers and streams go into the lake. I want to make sure that our water treatment and sewage treatment plants are part of that announcement here today,” he said. “We need to take part and promote the idea that the lake needs to be cleaned up.
Munro said after living around the lake for 35 years, the announcement was music to her ears.
“I’ve worked with a number of these organizations over the years and so for me this is a particularly important day … I was aware of the other announcement made by the premier and the contrast that we had already identified Lake Simcoe in our platform so it was very important to be here.”
She said it’s important for communities, business and government to recognize that the lake cannot be squandered.
“I think that too often people have thought that it was something that was so big and powerful that you didn’t have to worry about it,” she said. “Squandering a resource is something that no one wants to be accused of.”

Recent accident that left men in water didn't have to happen

Experts floating tips for paddlers; Recent accident that left men in water didn't have to happen.

Two young Keswick men are fortunate to have escaped injury, after their canoe capsized in Lake Simcoe Sunday. But if they had followed some basic safety tips, authorities say, this accident could have been prevented. The South Simcoe police marine unit was called to an area between Lefroy's Kon-Tiki Marina and the Holland Canal in Bradford on Sunday afternoon, after two men in their early 20s were pulled from the lake. The pair had been floating in the water for nearly an hour before being rescued by a boater after their canoe capsized. The men had been canoeing near Keswick when they noticed the craft began filling with water, and eventually abandoned it. An investigation revealed that no personal floatation devices, life-jackets or other safety equipment were on board the canoe, with the exception of two wooden oars, said the marine unit's Sgt.
Bob Eeles. "Basically, it's common sense," he said. "They failed to put on life-jackets and their eight-foot canoe had some problems. The canoe appears to have been repaired several times, there were metal plates and rivets in several places. "Certainly, this was preventable." Experts say there are several things kayakers and canoers should have in their water crafts before heading out on a waterway. Several police organizations have stepped up marine patrols this summer, meaning violators could face fines and charges. Of course, canoers and kayakers who do not carry the necessary equipment are also risking their lives, says Ashley Goodyer, manager of West Marine in Barrie. He recommends canoers and kayakers purchase a personal floatation device, life-jacket, or paddling vest, first aid kit, waterproof flashing light, whistle, signal horn, throwing line, manual propelling device (oar), and bailing bucket, most of which are mandated by government legislation. "These aren't things that you just actually need, these are mandatory things that you must have," Goodyer said. "A lot of kayakers think they're in shallow water and don't need all that stuff, but look what happened. You're a mile off shore and your (water craft) capsized." He also says waterproof two-way high frequency radios and GPS systems can aid rescue efforts, allowing for better communication between emergency crews and stranded boaters. People often complain about wearing life-jackets, or taking safety equipment on their journeys, especially since kayaks and canoes are rarely taken far from shore. However, the incident this weekend shows the risks outweigh the comfort, Goodyer said. The Keswick canoers were charged with offences related to water safety, and given information on government boating regulations. Life-jacket checklist Is it Canadian approved? Will it support the person it was made for? Are all the snaps, belts, ties, tapes and/or zippers on your life-jacket or PFD in good condition? Is it easy to put on and take off? Can you move your arms freely when wearing it? Does it let you bend at the waist? Can you see the ground at your feet and walk over obstacles easily? Does it keep your head above water? Relax in the water face down. Does your life-jacket roll you to a face-up position? Can you swim and manoeuvre easily in the water? Have you attached a whistle?

Creek restoration on schedule

Stan Howe photo Officials from Molson Canada and the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority attended a cheque presentation ceremony at Kidd's Creek last Friday.

Government and business have joined together to make Barrie a healthier city and Lake Simcoe a healthier lake, said the executive director of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation.
Last week, Molson Canada joined the campaign to restore Kidd’s Creek in downtown Barrie, with a $76,700 donation to the foundation’s $205,000 public campaign to support the project.
“This is the first time the public and private sectors pulled together around a project. It’s one example of what we need to do with municipalities and businesses throughout the watershed,” said Kimberley MacKenzie.
“It’s a demonstration project that shows how we can work together to improve the watershed and the health of the lake. Opening up the stream channel will allow for more flood control. Any time there’s a rush of water coming from Sunnidale Park, the culvert couldn’t accommodate it and that resulted in flooding along Dunlop Street.”
As well as improving flood control, restoring the creek gives fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike and sunfish a natural area to spawn and thrive.
As well, adding an acre of naturalized green space in an area that’s experiencing residential intensification will be good for quality of life and health – of not only the fish, but of the people, who can enjoy the green space and the better air quality created by the increase in native plants, trees and shrubs.
“Barrie replaced a culvert and parking lot, which contributed to water run-off, with a fish habitat and some green space. It’s a win-win,” said MacKenzie.
Barrie is contributing $345,000 to the project, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority $50,000 and the foundation is raising $205,000 to bridge the funding gap.
MacKenzie added the Kidd’s Creek project has prompted communities in the East Holland River watershed to embark on a project to clean up the most polluted watercourse that drains into Lake Simcoe.

Simcoe may experience more changes in the next 20 years than it has in the past 100

LETTER: Conservation authority needs funds to save Lake Simcoe Monday, July 16, 2007

Lake Simcoe may experience more changes in the next 20 years than it has in the past 100. The ecological balance of the lake, which evolved over several thousand years, has been upset. This is our major conclusion from a review of 193 reports, scientific papers and studies on the ecology of Lake Simcoe and the Laurentian Great Lakes. Simcoe appears to be engulfed in what scientists have called an "invasional meltdown." The lake has recently undergone a wave of species invasions dominated by exotic invertebrates zebra and quagga mussels, fishhook and spiny water fleas plus a vertebrate, the round goby. These invasive species come from outside the Lake Simcoe ecosystem and can degrade habitat, kill and/or displace native species and short-circuit food webs and energy flows needed to maintain and rehabilitate biological resources.
'These invasive species do not have any natural predators to keep population in balance, and some have life-history characteristics promoting rapid population growth. This has happened with zebra mussels, the most visible of the invasive species. They completely cover spawning beds, contributing to the decline in fish reproduction. Not nearly enough is known about the changes in the ecological balance of the lake. A number of expert and dedicated scientists are studying Simcoe for example, Jennifer Winter, David Evans, Jake La Rose, Stephanie Guildford, Rob Baldwin and Bob Hecky. There is no plan for a co-ordinated scientific study of the environmental problems in the lake. But the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has identified a number of practical steps to reduce pollution that should be undertaken now. To make an immediate and important impact on solving the problems of Lake Simcoe, (the province must) provide the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority with $5 million a year. In 1985, when the Ontario cabinet established the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy, the conservation authority was designated the "lead agency." However, it was never provided sufficient funds to properly pursue the management strategy. In fact, over the years, funding to the authority has been reduced. The $5 million would allow the authority to move ahead on two fronts: - Undertake a 10-year multidisciplinary study of the ecology and biodiversity of Lake Simcoe. This will involve co-ordinating and funding current research and hiring more scientific staff at the authority. During the 10 years, a major effort will be made to develop methods and strategies to control invasive species. - Second, continue its program of mitigation and retrofitting, which will reduce phosphorus levels to acceptable limits. We have discussed the $5 million with Gayle Wood and Mike Walters of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, and they feel this would allow the authority to move ahead with a significant program to improve the quality of the Lake Simcoe environment.

Environmental groups praise lake act

Environmental groups praise lake act
A coalition of environmental groups, ratepayer and citizens’ groups is praising the McGuinty government’s announcement of plans to introduce the Lake Simcoe Protection Act.
The surprise announcement was made on July 6 at the Lake Simcoe Summit in Barrie in front of a cheering crowd representing 65 citizens’ and non-profit groups from around the lake, and 12 government agencies and elected officials.
“The proposed Act is better than a cool dip in the lake on a hot day,” said David Donnelly, counsel to Environmental Defence and to a number of the groups in attendance, and one of the first proponents of the Act.
“All our work to establish a truly great coalition and plan to save the lake is rewarded with this proposed Act,” said Robert Eisenberg, founding chairperson of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition.
“There’s no going back now; the Government of Ontario has recognized the urgent need for an Act and so should everyone else.”
In his announcement, Premier Dalton McGuinty covered all the principles of conservation that Campaign Lake Simcoe hoped would form the foundation of an Act.
Describing the Act, the Premier told the crowd: “It will mean that no new development will be allowed to harm the lake. It will set strict limits on pollutants such as phosphorus. It will require stringent sewage treatment. It will support a governance structure that has been recommended by the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy working group. And it will promote recreation while protecting the health of the lake. We want growth that is good for the lake and the community that depends on the lake.”
“We are so glad that the Premier has listened to the science showing the damage Lake Simcoe has undergone,” said Wendy Francis, Director of Conservation and Science for Ontario Nature.
Lake Simcoe’s southeast shoreline is governed by the Greenbelt Act, leaving about half of the watershed unprotected. Simcoe County has been referred to as Ontario’s “Wild West” of development, with dozens of development applications leap-frogging over the Greenbelt and into south Simcoe County.
McGuinty said the new act would not impact development projects already underway, such as the Big Bay Point project in Innisfil.
The Greenbelt Protection Act contained retroactive provisions to catch developments that were not yet approved at the time the Act was announced. “The Greenbelt Protection Act is the logical starting point for a new Lake Simcoe Act,” said Donnelly. The proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Act is different from the Greenbelt Act in that it emphasizes tougher environmental assessment standards to ensure water quality in addition to new land use controls.
“While we greatly appreciated the announcement of the proposed Act, we are still concerned about the Big Bay Point development,” said Annabel Slaight, a founder and director of the Ladies of the Lake.
“There is so little understanding about the impact of large numbers of people and boats on our fragile lake, we believe that we need this knowledge, then policy about it, before a huge project like this goes forward.”
However, last week Simcoe County said Big Bay Point resort would assist in protecting Lake Simcoe and support the province’s proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Act. The act is designed to restore and protect the watersheds of the rivers that flow into Lake Simcoe.
Simcoe County’s corporate services manager Rick Newlove said phosphorous run-off puts the lake at risk. Phosphorous results from agricultural runoff, as well as from detergents, shampoo and toothpaste residues.
In extending servicing into Big Bay Point, developer Geranium Corporation will assist as many as 1,600 homeowners to connect to municipal services – and get them off septic systems, which are not sustainable in the long term, he explained.
“They’re getting people off septics and getting people connected (to municipal services), which will help the lake in the long run. We all know septic systems are not reliable in the long-term,” he said.
Further, he said, Geranium has had to meet some of the most stringent standards in Ontario.
“They’ve met the provincial, the county’s and the town’s criteria, (done) anything we’ve asked. They’ve worked to ensure the environment is protected and worked diligently to meet government requirements.
“With the Big Bay Point Resort, the province wouldn’t have signed off if they weren’t satisfied everything possible had been done to protect the environment,” he said.

Big Bay Point Resort will actually assist in protecting Lake Simcoe?

The proposed Big Bay Point Resort will actually assist in protecting Lake Simcoe – and support the province’s proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Act, the County of Simcoe says.
Introduced into the legislature by Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop, the act is designed to restore and protect the watersheds of the rivers that flow into Lake Simcoe.
Simcoe County’s corporate services manager Rick Newlove explained phosphorous runoff puts the lake at risk. Phosphorous results from agricultural runoff, as well as from detergents, shampoo and toothpaste residues.
In extending servicing into Big Bay Point, developer Geranium Corporation will assist as many as 1,600 homeowners to connect to municipal services – and get them off septic systems, which are not sustainable in the long term, he explained.
“They’re getting people off septics and getting people connected (to municipal services), which will help the lake in the long-run. We all know septic systems are not reliable in the long-term,” he said.
Further, he said, Geranium has had to meet some of the most stringent standards in Ontario.
“They’ve met the provincial, the county’s and the town’s criteria, (done) anything we’ve asked. They’ve worked to ensure the environment is protected and worked diligently to meet government requirements.
“With the Big Bay Point Resort, the province wouldn’t have signed off if they weren’t satisfied everything possible had been done to protect the environment,” he said.
Earlier this year, an extensive OMB hearing was averted when the county approved the resort. A hearing is still slated for Aug. 8, with the opposition including a group of local residents and Nexnine Limited; Nexnine had put forward a competing bid for a parcel now included in the development plan. Since the county approved the plan, the opposition has lost its high-profile lawyer.
Geranium spokesman Jim Maclean said the new act falls in line with the environmental direction his company had received from the province as it refined its development proposal and his company endorses the act.
“The premier has announced the Lake Simcoe Protection Act to protect the lake and its resources. Geranium is fully supportive of that,” he told The Advance. His company worked closely with the province in planning a large recreational resort featuring a marina, golf course and as well as retail and cultural amenities, such as a theatre.
“We’ve passed all the (environmental) requirements presently in place. The County of Simcoe, Innisfil, the Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing have all signed off. They’re satisfied the resort will not impact (the lake adversely).”

Lake plan very fishy

There's something just a little fishy about Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty's new plan to protect, and save, Lake Simcoe. Announced last Friday at the Lake Simcoe Summit in Barrie, McGuinty's plan is short on both details and cash. It also comes when the Legislature isn't sitting, and during the campaign leading to Oct. 10's provincial election. The timing is great, of course. The premier arrived unannounced on a beautiful summer day at South Shore Community Centre, located on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, and spoke to about 200 members of community groups concerned about Lake Simcoe's welfare. McGuinty was preaching to the congregation, in other words. Anyone who didn't know why the lake is in peril knew after an hour's worth of speakers made presentations on the impact of pollutants and area development.
The premier then arrived, to great applause, and announced his government will introduce a Lake Simcoe Protection Act. It's to improve sewage treatment standards, set strict limits for pollutants such as phosphorus and promote recreational opportunities, while protecting the lake. There was no money attached to the announcement, no real details on how the Act would work. It's an election promise. If his Liberals win another majority government this fall, McGuinty will take steps to make his election promise law. Which is about as much as any politician asking for your vote can do, when it comes right down to it. Simcoe County residents would probably be happier with McGuinty's promise if it came with the Legislature sitting. Or had money to buy lakefront property to help protect Simcoe. The premier also made it clear that his proposal would not apply to development projects that are already making their way through local governments. So, the Lake Simcoe Protection Act won't stop development plans at Big Bay Point in Innisfil, plans that are being considered by the Ontario Municipal Board. And what about the federal government's $12-million plan to clean up Lake Simcoe, announced in March as part of the budget? How would Liberal McGuinty's plan work with the federal Conservative's efforts to save Simcoe? Again, there's little detail and few indications how the plan will work individually or with other efforts. Perhaps those who care for Lake Simcoe, or even just recognize its importance, should be happy that both levels of government have noticed it and have said they will help. But as all Canadians should know, the difference between politicians saying they will do something and actually doing it is often large. Our politicians know the environment has become a crucial issue for voters, and parties are falling all over themselves in an attempt to make their platforms greener and greener. In the weeks ahead, candidates will be knocking on our doors, asking for our votes in October. Liberal candidates should be asked how the Lake Simcoe Protection Act will work, when and for funding specifics. The other candidates should be asked about their plan to save Lake Simcoe. Hold their feet to the fire on this one until there are some real answers, not just promises.

Premier announces plan to safeguard Lake Simcoe

The provincial government is taking action to protect one southern Ontario's largest lakes. Premier Dalton McGuinty announced Friday he will propose an act to safeguard Lake Simcoe.

"The act we are proposing today would ensure that families will continue to enjoy Lake Simcoe for years to come," McGuinty said when he made the announcement in Barrie.

The new act would:

• Raise the bar for sewage treatment standards and set strict limits on pollutants such as phosphorous;
• Create governance to deal with environmental issues; and
• Promote recreation with protection.

The lake, about an hour's drive north of the city, is a popular destination for cottagers, tourists, beach-goers and ice fishers alike.

Studies probing a decline in the lake's fish in the 80s found increasing development and agriculture were filling the lake with excess nutrients.

Plant life increased in the fertile environment and used more of the water's precious oxygen supply, needed to support fish. Today, Lake Simcoe's coldwater fishery can't sustain itself.

David Donnelly of Environmental Defence said if the act became a law, it will bring much-needed regulation to the water body.

Ontario's Greenbelt, which covers over 725,000 hectares of green space, only protects the lake's southeastern shores.

"We're pleased to stand with the Lake Simcoe community ... to make sure Lake Simcoe is healthy for generations to come," said Premier McGuinty.

"Together, we're moving forward with strong environmental protection that will benefit your family today - and your kids and grandkids for years to come."

Simcoe - fishing for clues on how to protect drinking water

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has been fishing for clues on how to protect drinking water.


Scientists from the conservation authority and the Geological Survey of Canada (Atlantic) joined an American oceanographer on a trip to scan the bed of Lake Simcoe’s Kempenfelt Bay.


“Water quality issues in Ontario have been brought to light, and we don’t have as good an understanding of our groundwater resources as we’d like, in order to manage them properly. There are a lot of future groundwater quality and quantity questions. For example, are the wells in Barrie going to be able to supply the growing population?” said Don Goodyear, the LSRCA’s groundwater protection program manager.


“The building blocks for groundwater management (start with) a really good understanding of geology. We need to understand the interactions between the lake and the groundwater and this (expedition) is filling big voids in information.”


Oceanographers and hydrogeologists have theorized water from aquifers works its way into Lake Simcoe, said Goodyear. “You have cold water bubbling up in the middle of the lake. It’s critical for fish habitat,” he said, adding its temperature is about 6 degrees Celsius. “We will find out if what we suspect are areas of groundwater discharge are. Those are critical for lake trout.”


Dr. Mike Lewis and Dr. John King joined the research product to map not only Kempenfelt Bay’s bed, but the layers underneath it.


“If you look at what’s happened in Lake Simcoe over the past 12,000 years, it’s relevant to the Great Lakes, and it’s easier to study Lake Simcoe than the lakes,” noted King, from the University of Rhode Island’s graduate school of oceanography.


Scientists will collect sediment samples and also use radar to scan the structure beneath the lake, which they know to be the same as that of the Great Lakes, because the entire area was once covered by the ancient glacial Lake Algonquin. The findings will reveal patterns of development, as well as groundwater movement, and the effect of climate on the lakes. A dry period lowered the lake’s level 8,000 to 9,000 years ago.


“We’re doing a study of Kempenfelt Bay using various technologies and methods, and perhaps it’s a model for Lake Simcoe,” Lewis said.


The top seven metres of the lake bed, he noted, details the development of present-day Lake Simcoe, while further underground, the characteristics of life, water and climate on the older lake can be seen. Scientists already have some sonar data, but are looking for more detail and confirmation of a model they’ve created