Debbie Schaefer (candidate for )

1. Should municipalities in the Lake Simcoe watershed work with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Government of Ontario to develop and implement a plan to reduce Lake Simcoe’s phosphorus loadings to 44 tonnes per year by 2026?

Yes.

No question. And it can be reduced.

2. Should municipalities in the Lake Simcoe watershed work with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and the Government of Ontario to develop and implement a plan to ensure that by 2026, at least 40% of Lake Simcoe’s watershed consists of high quality connected forests, wetlands and meadows?

Yes.

3. Should the LSRCA establish a process for receiving and reviewing submissions from the public with respect to all Section 28 permit applications pertaining to Lake Simcoe’s wetlands, floodplains and shorelines?

Maybe.

I am saying "maybe" as I do not have enough background/information. I willl say that I am surprised
that such a process does not exist already . It seems to me the bigger question is what the expectation is as to what will be done with the input. Is the LSRCA expected to take it into account when they are making their decision?

4. Should the Development Charges Act be amended to allow municipalities to recover 100% of their additional infrastructure costs to service new residential and commercial projects from their developers?

Yes.

Its frustrating that DC's do not cover more. Yes, DC's add to the price of the house, for example, which is entirely appropriate. Without fully charging the cost of infrastructure a false impression is given as to the cost of the developments. Many "buyers" purchase north of Toronto because the lower price point is appealing....but what they see is a price which in effect is subsidized by residents at large. Its not fair AND it encourages sprawl.