Candidates
Background Information
However, the Government of Ontario has not funded or implemented a plan to reduce Lake Simcoe’s phosphorous pollution to 44 tonnes a year. Lake Simcoe’s phosphorous pollution has instead gone up by 30% since 2009. (To learn more about how we can reduce Lake Simcoe’s phosphorous pollution to 44 tonnes a year, please read our Cleaning-Up Lake Simcoe report.)
Responses to the question:
Do you believe that Lake Simcoe’s municipalities should formally request that the Government of Ontario promptly fund and implement a plan to reduce Lake Simcoe’s phosphorous pollution to 44 tonnes a year by 2030?
Mayor
Mayor Virginia Hackson
Yes
The health and quality of Lake Simcoe is very much a priority and I do support having provincial funding to reduce the phosphorus levels in Lake Simcoe,.
Having served on the Board for the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority for over 20 years I am very aware of the importance of keeping this Lake healthy and the need to have all levels of government at the table.
In November, East Gwillimbury Council passed a resolution to support moving forward with the Holland Marsh Polder Phosphorus Recycling Facility, notwithstanding the “paused” status of the broader Upper York Sewage Solutions Project.
Having all municipalities engaged in the protection of Lake Simcoe will provide a louder voice at the provincial level.
Don McIsaac
Yes
Randy Greenlaw
Yes
Gerry Marshall
Yes
My thoughts on action required over the next council term.
1 – Align with municipalities that share our Lake to ensure that as mayors we speak with one voice. While a mayor has a strong platform from which to speak, multiple mayors speaking as one on Lake Simcoe protection issues amplifies the message.
2 – Given the Hwy 404 link is going to be built, we need to ensure Minister Mulroney and her staff complete and meet the pre-construction environmental and mitigation commitments made.
3 – Hold the Provincial Conservatives accountable to follow the Lake Simcoe Protection legislation.
4- Work with our Members of Parliament to hold the Federal Liberals to their Lake Simcoe protection and funding election promises.
5 – From a city perspective ensure we make decisions that consider the impact they may have on our climate, environment, and lake. To be more specific I am speaking of municipal efforts related to items such as climate mitigation, green energy conversion and reducing our runoff particularly salt and phosphorus.
Frank A. Sebo
Yes
The good health of Lake Simcoe is vital to the good health of our residents and to the quality of life we all enjoy.
Protecting it is of paramount importance.
Phosphorous and salt are two of the biggest threats to the health of Lake Simcoe.
It has been 13 years since the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was released by the Province.
Now, in 2022, our communities are continuing to grow and the pressures on our precious Lake Simcoe are many.
As Mayor of Georgina, I will insist that Georgina does everything it reasonably can to reduce its own impacts on Lake Simcoe and our three rivers. I will implore upon both the Provincial and Federal Governments to
provide funding and take swift action. Not only with regards to phosphorous pollution, but also the very real need to find alternatives to the use of salt on our highways, roads and parking lots. We are literally over a third of the way to having a salt water lake!
I will continue to work with the L.S.R.C.A. and all parties with an interest in protecting the health of Lake Simcoe, including our area’s traditional water protectors the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation.
A collaborative effort is needed. Georgina will, most certainly, be there. Our future, Lake Simcoe’s future
depends on it.
Boris Godzinevski
Yes
So many residents use the lake for swimming, fishing and recreation. It should be a jewel of the community carefully preserved for generations and it is saddening that there are failings in keeping its ecology to a higher standard. As Mayor of Georgina I would be realistically limited from a political stand-point but louder voices from elected officials do have an impact and as a frequent user of Lake Simcoe myself I will do my part.
James Leduc
Yes
george sheffield
Yes
I;ve done some due diligence on this and there are existing methods to removing the phosphorous from sewage. It wont take much but political will..
Alex Nuttall
Yes
Our lake is our greatest asset, and we need to protect it at all costs. Going forward, and certainly when I’m elected Mayor of Barrie I’m prepared to work alongside the City of Barrie, and Natural Resources to implement a plan to ensure that Lake Simcoe continues to provide safe four-season recreation for local residents, and an inviting environment for our wildlife.
Ted Smith
Yes
Lake Simcoe is a huge asset to our community and it must be protected. Provincial funding is absolutely necessary since the municipalities involved can’t afford to shoulder the costs.
James R. Young
Yes
From my previous experience as Mayor of East Gwillimbury, and York Region’s representative on the Lake Simcoe Conversation Authority, the information, solutions, and cost-analysis is quite in-line with the actions needed to address the phosphorus pollution issues facing Lake Simcoe. I believe that the Province of Ontario should take the lead role in providing the dollars needed to meet the targets outlined within the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. It should also be the responsibility of the municipalities/regions surrounding Lake Simcoe to take responsibility and not only build more funding into their development charge by-laws toward phosphorus reduction, but also to take more aggressive actions in the recommendations provided (e.g., permeable parking lots, storm water retentions, cisterns, etc.).
Margaret Quirk
Yes
In February 2021 at the Council meeting on the 24th our Council passed a motion that included the following “That the Council of the Town of Georgina requests the Province to revise the Phosphorus Reduction Strategy to create a time bound plan and the associated budgets to achieve the 55% phosphorus pollution reductions to no more than 44 tonnes per year as soon as possible”. This was during the staff report that provided comments to the 10 year Review of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. This motion was moved by Councillor Neeson and I fully supported it. So to answer your question as Mayor of Georgina I have already made a similar request to the Province.
Also later in 2021 at the September 15th meeting we passed a motion by Councillor Neeson that requested the Province support the funding of the Holland Marsh Phosphorus Recycling Facility that would assist in removing phosphorus from the Holland River prior to it entering Lake Simcoe. We were pleased to have the Province announce earlier this year that they would commit $24 Million over the next thre years for this project. The Federal government had already committed $16 million toward the estimated $40 million project. This facility could remove approximately 5 tonnes of phosphorus per year. It is my commitment to continue to work with the Province, the Region and the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority to see this facility a reality.
I will further commit to working with other municipalities around Lake Simcoe to pass motions similar to the one we passed in February 2021 in requesting the Province revise the Phosphorus Reduction Strategy to create a plan and budget to achieve the 55% phosphorus pollution reductions to no more than 44 tonnes per year by 2030. There is power in numbers and voices to be heard.
Russ Cole
Yes
Ryan Williams
Yes
I believe protecting the fisheries and natural appeal of Lake Simcoe is very important in Brock Township, along with the neighbouring municipalities around the lake. I definitely support this initiative.
Harry Hughes
Yes
Barry Ward
Yes
There are many things municipalities can do but provincial funding is needed. For example, Barrie has a long-term plan to upgrade our stormwater management ponds but it is very expensive, meaning we can only do one or two per year because of all our other spending priorities. Provincial funding would allow us to speed up the process.
Daniel davidson
Yes
We actually. Sent out a request similar about a month ago.
Weldon Hachey
Undecided
I need to read up and educate myself on anything before I can make an educated decision. It’s very obvious we need to protect our water and our lands. When I get in I would like to speak to the experts and find out the best solution.
Andrew Gordon
Undecided
I would need more information on this to make an informed decision. Such as how we can reduce the phosphorus. How much it would cost to reduce the levels, and maintain that reduction. The impact on the industries in the area, how many jobs or businesses would be effected. The environment is very important and we must take care of it at all costs.
Jeffrey Cathcart
Yes
Deputy Mayor
Kenneth Fowler
Yes
Keith Bell
Yes
I need more information to make a decision. I believe cleaning up our lakes should always be a priority and would support once I learn more about the current state, what is required to reach this goal, how much it will cost and if it is feasible to complete in the time given. The request needs to be reasonable and affordable as well. Many families are strapped for money so spending tax dollars needs to be done very carefully.
RAJ SANDHU
Yes
Lake Simcoe is very important not only to our region but our province. This is not just a source of drinking water for many municipalities but also an economic booster for the businesses that are on the watershed. Our council unanimously supported the motion put forward by Councillor Scott requesting that York expedite the planning and construction of the phosphorus recycling facility. I am also in support of urging and working with all levels of government (federal and provincial) to provide proper funding for the health of Lake Simcoe.
Joe Gough
Yes
Rob Nicol
Yes
Absolutely but, For those of whom who didn’t take the time to see the great work that many us who have already worked to advance this, I along with many other council members around Lake Simcoe brought forth motions to our individual councils suggesting that the Federal and Provincial Governments along with York Region separate the planned Phosphorus Reduction Facility for Lake Simcoe from the stalled Upper York Sewage Solution. This phosphorus reduction project funding was part of the Federal Government’s promises and has the capability to provide benefits to greatly advance these targets and protect our Lake. Council members around Lake Simcoe were able to get Provincial funding to continue to bring this facility on line and we just need the Federal Government to finally honor their pledges to reinstate the/or bring a new Lake Simcoe Clean type up fund as promised over the past many years for the ultimate health of Lake Simcoe and all of our communities.
Regional Councillor
Dorothy Sanderson
Yes
Yes, in an ideal world it should be done however, with the sewage being pumped into the lake by Barrie alone , this can be problematic. This has been an ongoing problem and since Barrie is allowed to grow, so will the problem.Perhaps the time has come to stifle the enormous growth ALL around Lake Simcoe until the problem can be addressed and a workable solution can be reached. As for the other Municipalities, I do not know. I am most interested in knowing what if anything, Beaverton is sending into the lake. All the Municipalities bordering the Lake should be held accountable. I doubt at this time that I would feel safe eating fish taken out of Simcoe if the problem is as bad as you are saying. I know that the Beaverton Beaches have been closed this year due to a bacterial problem and I am aware that a food farming company has stopped pouring bad silt into the Lake causing a bacterial problem.
All these issues need to be monitored and handled on an ongoing basis. Making demands and ultimatums isn’t the answer. Another venue needs to be sourced. Working together, perhaps, we can all reach a doable solution . That being Federal,Provincial and Regional. Three calm heads are better than one.
As a Miner and Prospector in Northern Ontario, I am very well aware of the responsibilities polluters must acknowledge when it comes to water. The Mining Industry in Ontario is held to a very high , strict standard so, in my personal opinion, should Municipalities be.
I have attended your meetings in Sunderland AND I am an avowed Naturalist and Conservationist. The daughter of a Farmer I was brought up to respect the Land and the Water . Simple as that.
Naomi Davison
Yes
All levels of government have to make Lake Simcoe a priority. While some efforts have been made, we need to go much further to protect our lake for generations to come.
Michael Jubb
Yes
This is absolutely what should be done. I am proud to have worked for years, with residents, and all levels of government to protect the health of Lake Simcoe. Notably, the toxic silt runoff near Beaverton. I also strongly oppose the UYSS.
David Marquis
Yes
As a former chairman of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, I was actively involved in the implementation of the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy. I fully support any actions that would reduce phosphorous loading of Lake Simcoe
Dawn Zimmermann
Yes
The UYSS remains controversial (at least 13 years), with no resolution in sight. The Holland Marsh Phosphorous Removal Facility is necessary and would be a major step toward reaching the 44 tonnes per year target.
Councillor
Dael Morris
Yes
This should include a demand by municipalities for a pause in uncontrolled development as current practices are for short term gain by only a few – a smarter approach needs to be taken that considers the environment and climate change and a sustainable future for all. Wetlands and forests, which are natural buffer and flooding prevention zones must be protected, not destroyed.
Loralea Carruthers
Yes
Robert Kloostra
Yes
Orillia has its own tertiary treatment plant up and running. It is my hope other municipalities will follow.
Robert Young
Yes
Mona Steitieh
Yes
Scott Wollin
Yes
Reading through the lake Simcoe clean up plan sounds like it is an uphill battle. Residence and developers wont want to pay the extra taxes but if something drastic isn’t done now the health and the quality of the lake are going to continue diminishing. I have spoke to many constituents about the quality of the lake and it is a real concern that they would like addressed.
By the sounds of things I like the idea of what they are doing in Lake Erie regarding smarter more modern agricultural techniques. Crop stripping, cover crops and crop rotation are relatively inexpensive and it appears that it makes a significant difference for the amount of phosphorus that makes its way back into the lake, I like this idea and I like the idea of it being implemented.
Regarding the storm water, I had no idea that street sweeping and sidewalk sweeping would make such a difference if they are scheduled more frequently. I like the idea of increasing frequency, it helps out with the phosphorus in the lake and ensures that the town doesn’t look too shabby in between sweepings. It also seems like it[s a relatively low expense to get multiple benefits.
I like the idea of ensuring that all new developments (within reasonable access to the town sewer system) are hooked up to town services to avoid individual septic tanks, especially the closer they are to the lake.
Shifting the costs from the residence to the developers is also a no-brainer in my opinion. The developers shouldn’t be off the hook for the increased population and ensuing pollution that comes with development and an increased population.
Carol Griffith
Yes
Norm Costello
Yes
Scott Jones
Yes
If elected, I will involve myself in the government position and review all documentation pertaining the phosphorous pollution.
Ken Lloyd
Yes
Peter Dykie
Yes
Jake Tucker
Yes
Shanicka Edwards
Yes
Our Waterfront is among the most beautiful in the province. Our bodies of water deserve the best treatment and care. We should absolutely support funding to implement the plan to reduce Lake Simcoe pollution.
Lori Hutcheson
Yes
Becky Eveson
Yes
Linda Zanella
Yes
Peter Frank
Undecided
Claire Doble
Yes
Janet-Lynne Durnford
Yes
Thank you for this question. I had only a basic understanding of the sources of phosphorus in wastewater, and the measures that are available to reduce phosphorous pollution, so I had to do some research. My understanding is that the main sources of phosphorus in wastewater are human waste from septic systems, household detergents, and aging and inefficient wastewater treatment plants. I am in support of measures to reduce phosphorus runoff through prevention – inspection and upgrading of septic and wastewater treatment – and through education.
My understanding is that phosphorus can be captured, but it is more beneficial and less expensive to prevent nutrient overload by reducing use of phosphorus fertilizers, and
Angela Canavan
Yes
stephanie sinclair
Undecided
Addition research would be needed on this matter.
Michael Lewis
Yes
I remember seeing Chrystia Freeland coming to Barrie during the last Federal election promising millions of dollars towards keeping Lake Simcoe clean. Whether ahe has delivered on that promise I have no idea. I agree that every municipality on Lake Simcoe should request thier share of said funds.
Mary Asselstine
Yes
Lake Simcoe reflects the health of our entire watershed. Strategies to reduce phosphorus will benefit the health of all our river systems.
John Webb – Webb4Ward8
Undecided
I am always hesitant to answer these types of questionnaire, because any answers you get from everyone will be crap. That is why i clicked “undecided”, it is a loaded question. What you are really asking is will I work with your group to keep what we have here safe, clean, and the best it can be? The answer is yes, yes I want to keep Lake Simcoe beautiful. As a business owner in Barrie for the last 16+ years, I can understand the work/life balance in our beautiful environment. As someone who was a judge for planning for 12 years, I know SMART planning must include the environment, the surrounding areas. As someone who just finished 6 years as the Vice President of the tourism board, I understand the revenue the environment brings us in this area. I was not born in Barrie, I choose to live here in large part because of the beauty up here. I am not going to lie to you for your vote, I will work with you to keep what we have beautiful, a vote for me is a vote for someone who will work with you, and that is the truth. I hope I can count on your support.
Amy Courser
Yes
Ben Verkaik
Yes
Jennifer Anstey
Yes
Zoe Rowe Watson
Yes
I agree. Lake Simcoe needs to be protected
Zak Gariba
Yes
Also in constant dialog with the governments to find a better solution
Danielle Cohen
Yes
We need to come up with a plan. This issue will not go away on its own.
Jennifer Harrison
Yes
Joy Douglas
Yes
I am unequivocally in favour of requesting the funding and implementation of plans to deal with the major challenges that are threatening Lake Simcoe, including climate change, phosphorus pollution and invasive species. In the 2022-23 federal budget, government allocated 19.6 million for the Freshwater Action fund to support clean up efforts and we must ensure that Simcoe County residents and their governments are informed, invested and watching to that make sure Lake Simcoe gets it’s fair share of funding.
Donald Mclaurin
Undecided
Bryn Hamilton
Yes
Adam Wilcox
Yes
One of the main reasons people love Barrie is because of our beach along Lake Simcoe. I agree that we need to reduce phosphorus and protect our lake. I was informed of these about a year ago in my Stormwater Management course at Georgian College. Thanks for keeping it fresh in my mind.
Anthony S Laundrie
Yes
Brock Township has already exceeded this expectation
Dana Tuju
Yes
Reducing Lake Simcoe’s phosphorous pollution cannot be a piecemeal effort. For example, what would be the point of a septic inspection program if every municipality on the surrounding waterways did not have to participate? Having the province’s funding and help would demonstrate the gravitas of this crisis, as well as create a broader feeling of “we are all in this together.”
There is a perception when a municipality implements new measures (again using the septic inspection program as an example) that this is only being done as a tax dollar cash grab. However, when the Government of Ontario mandates this sort of thing, then people view it as an issue of environmental and public health. The optics of having the province on board can get citizens to buy into recognizing that there is a problem, rather than being left to assume that pollution is an alarmist and exaggerated battle cry of hippies and treehuggers.
Furthermore, the Government of Ontario generally takes requests from municipalities much more seriously than those from concerned citizens groups. In addition, if the province were accountable for the implementation of this plan, then it would stand to reason that there would be more provincial oversight, ownership, and responsibility in this pro-development era.
Compared to municipalities, the province would simply have greater power to implement the type of large-scale changes required, i,e. legislation banning harmful chemicals and activities, enforcement for violating legislation, as well as providing consistent best-practice solutions.
The way it is right now, individual people or municipalities view themselves as the proverbial “drop in the ocean” in terms of feeling powerless to reduce this pollution. Ontario needs to step in, because there really isn’t time for us to continue the way things have been going. If the province feels that this plan is counterproductive to pushing the economy forward, this is a problem that will be so much more expensive to fix than it will be to prevent.
William Rome
Yes
Clean Lakes, good environment will always have my support.
JENNIFER FISHER
Yes
Nigussie Nigussie
Yes
Al Bonura
Undecided
Randy Hutchings
Yes
With 4 generations of my family living in and around Lake Simcoe we all need to ensure a healthy future by doing the right things now! We need to also be an example for other communities and lead!
David Clark
Yes
Protecting our Lake (and all other lakes) for generations to come should be a priority for all levels of government.
Dr. Allison Cain
Yes
Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Words without action are meaningless. Lake Simcoe is part of our home and deserves to be promptly funded with a proper action plan to reduce phosphorous pollution by at least 44 tonnes by 2030.
Steven Mirtsos
Undecided
Ann-Marie Kungl
Yes
Thank you for providing the important Cleaning-Up Lake Simcoe report. It would be wonderful if this was again circulated to all Clerks to share with members of the new term of Council.
Naz Obredor
Undecided
I do not know enough about this currently to make an informed comment.
Richard Black
Yes
I do believe we need to manage what is going into our water, it is essential to all living things. Nothing toxic should be going into our water. I would have to see the full report first then ask questions before a full complete answer
Glenn Harrington
Undecided
I would support studies to set reachable goals per year.
Ryan Cardwell
Yes
Ralph cipolla
Yes
Jeff Czetwerzuk
Yes
Sergio Morales
Yes
I was the Barrie City Councillor that introduced the notion that called for the city of Barrie to support federal funding for a Lake Simcoe restoration fund, representing a significant % of the Freshwater Action Plan Fund.
Source:
https://www.barrietoday.com/local-news/barrie-council-will-consider-calling-on-feds-for-lake-simcoe-funding-5227198
Debbie Schaefer
Yes
Absolutely yes. There needs to be action quickly to both remediate what is already in place and to avoid the issue being exacerbated by developments which are already in process or at least approved to be done. We don’t need to figure out what to do; but rather we need to figure how to remove the obstacles to implementation. In the Report (Cleaning Up Lake Simcoe) it appears that there are two general types of obstacles. One is capital and the other is peoples’ & corporations’ behaviors and practices.
The capital for the Art Jansen pumping station should come from the Province OR perhaps a joint funding effort by Province and municipalities. It is not appropriate to ask King and Bradford West Gwillimbury to shoulder the total $1.3 million. The beneficiaries of the project are not the farmers and residents of these two: the Holland Marsh is an asset of value to Ontario; that sum is too much for those 2 rural municipalities.
Conceptually I agree with the idea of expanding the Conservation Land Tax Incentive Program. The lands currently eligible for such (managed forests, wetlands) are to be treasured and we want to encourage good stewardship of them. Stewarding a CLTIP does restrict property owner’s rights and there may be effort to be a good steward; hence a”reward” of a lower tax rate is entirely appropriate. But I do not agree that the “reward” is funded by the municipality; it should be by the Province which was the way it was > 20 years ago. (Propoerty owner paid full tax to municipality and applied for a rebate) The only rationale is administrative cost and I am sure that could be rectified with a good software program. Protecting these assets is not to the exclusive benefit of the municipality; trees absorbing GHG contributes to the climate action targets of everyone. Conversely many of these CLTIP properties are in fact existing because the municipality encouraged such …at least that is done in King. By virtue of the fact that there are CLTIP’s in a municipality, there is less commercial and industrial development in the municipality. The municipality’s role should be encouraging creation of new ones, ensuring that they are protected in planning applications and having a role in enforcement.
I do not understand the reluctance of the agriculture community to embrace the various practices identified in the Report. Effort must be made to understand why. Its my guess that there is fear about impact on productivity; if correct there must be a serious well developed communication/education plan. And there is also likely a real transition cost: again this needs to be understood and solution found.
Urban stormwater is not just a problem for Lake Simcoe. Water courses like Humber River are suffering too. Probably the case can be made that priority needs to be put on executing solutions re: Lake Simcoe but the policies need to be applied broadly.
Charlene Biggerstaff
Yes
Yes, I believe that Lake Simcoe municipalities should formally request the Government of Ontario promptly fund and implement a plan to reduce Lake Simcoe phosphorus pollution to 44 tonnes a year by 2030.
Further, if elected, I will support the development of programs, budgets and policies that will reduce the number of urban stormwater, support agricultural best practices, update septic systems practices, and increase high-quality naturalized areas adjacent to Lake Simcoe’s watercourses.
Scott Crone
Yes
In the past term of council, I have supported the motion that called on the province to implement a phosphorus recycling facility. As well, I made a motion, at the time of the last federal budget, requesting that Lake Simcoe receive greater funding for initiatives that would aid in its cleanup. I am proud to support efforts to keep Lake Simcoe pristine.
Mike Taggart
Yes
While I am very pleased with the 24 million dollars of funding the Government of Ontario committed to the Holland Marsh Phosphorous Recycling Facility. We have a moral obligation to provide for a healthy lake ecosystem. Our winter and summer fishing, tourism and having a lake we can ensure out safe for our residents to swim in depends on it.
Jeanette Luchese Jacobs
Undecided
Thank you so much for providing this valuable information; I volunteer with South Simcoe Streams Networks in restoration work, revitalization and plantings to create buffers for our creeks. I believe small steps forward are essential, and Innisfil could benefit from providing seed monies to South Simcoe Streams Networks. Ensuring they can continue the excellent work they do that ultimately aids in the reduction of phosphorous levels and protects our watershed. I find it interesting that our Mayor, Lynn Dollin, didn’t “…call for the development and implementation of a plan ….” as Innisfil is omitted (first page of the brochure) and would like to discuss that with our Mayor.
Mikhaela Beerman
Undecided
Protecting agricultural land, greenspace and water are vital to food security, caring for wildlife, maintaining air quality, farmers’ livelihood, and the local economy. I am committed to environmental protection and promoting sustainability. I previously participated on York University President’s Sustainability Council and contributed to the York University Sustainability Strategy. If elected, I am dedicated to listening, learning and working with active groups in the community who are focused on environmental protection.
Please feel free to email me at mikhaela.b@proton.me if you are a resident of Ward 6, and would like to connect. You can also visit my website beermanforward6.com to learn more!
John Bard
Yes
Ian James Gordon
Yes
Dave Neeson
Yes
I have demonstrated this commitment by authoring and bringing forward the following motion on February 24th, 2021, which passed and states as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. C-2021-0051
Moved By Councillor Neeson
“That the Council of the Town of Georgina requests that the Province of Ontario revise the Phosphorus Reduction Strategy to create a time bound plan and the associated budgets to achieve the 55% phosphorus pollution reduction to no more than 44 tonnes per year as soon as possible.”
and
“That the Town Clerk forward a copy of Report No. DS-2021-022 and Council’s resolution to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Region of York, the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, all other Lake Simcoe watershed municipalities, all MPP’s of Lake Simcoe watershed municipalities, the Premier of Ontario, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the leaders of the Progressive Conservative, Liberal and NDP parties”.
Similarly, I co-lead a broad coalition of concerned members of the watershed community, environmental groups and members of Council to bring the federal and provincial governments together to fund Lake Simcoe’s first Phosphorus Recycling Plant – to be located in the Holland Marsh and operated by York Region.
I believe I have the experience, skill and legitimacy to continue to this consensus based approach to make real gains for Lake Simcoe, Georgina and the broader watershed community.
Sincere thanks to Lake Simcoe Watch and its allied agencies for your advocacy, dedication and sacrifice for the work that you do. I look forward to our continued work together in the months and years ahead.
-Dave Neeson
Kelly Quinn-McCarthy
Yes
Natalie Floyd
Yes
Lake Simoce is the jewel of our community, I support reducing phosphorous pollution.
Nick Wray
Yes
Clean water is the key to the future and benefits everyone, not just the local residents.
Paul Cain
Yes
Ryan Rijo
Yes
When it comes to the health of Lake Simcoe, I believe that it is of utmost importance to sustain and better Kempenfelt Bay and Lake Simcoe as a whole. In regards to the question I believe that is our duty as a Municipality to request help and funding from other levels of government to sustain the lake’s ecosystem. Lake Simcoe is not only enjoyed by local residents, but also many tourists from all over Ontario. The fact that the lake is so popular for beaches, sandbars, boating, and fishing we need all need to take responsibility and work together to ensure that the lake is healthy for years to come.
Ryan Raymond
Yes
Thank you for sending this over, I have not heard of this issue before now. Nice presentation, I imagine a significant amount of time went into making this. It sounds like we have a lot more work ahead of us to hit these reductions. Weather I win or lose in this election, keep me on the mailing list and I will help where/when I can.
Cheers,
Ryan Raymond
Norm Costello
Yes
Susan Lahey
Yes
The protection of our environment is critical to sustaining our health, community and economy.
Shannon DeLenardo
Yes
Thank you for sharing this report. As I am out speaking with folks the lake and rivers in Georgina are a huge area of focus.
Christine Glenn
Yes
As a past Secretary of the Environmental Advisory Committee, we constantly looked for ways to increase awareness, educate the community and encourage good environmental stewardship. We would need strong partnerships across all levels of government to ensure care of all of our natural environments is a priority.
Tif Arshi
Yes
Lake simcoe provides our drinking water as well as being a natural tourist attraction. This brings in much needed tourist dollars to our city and local businesses. Any harm to our water and fisheries industry requires our focus and attention.
Craig Nixon
Undecided
Jennifer Richardson
Yes
Mike Simard
Undecided
Lake Simcoe has been in my life as well as dating back to my great grandfather who came from England and settled on Thorah Island. I have been involved with TIRA (Thorah Island Rate Payers Association) for 15 years and was President.
Above I am sure would be a yeas but would like more information.
Connie (Carrick) Laughlin
Yes
I have heard about this but would really like to learn more.
Alan bayne
Yes
Gilles Depratto
Yes
Preserving our environment and our water resources are a priority for me should I be successful in Orillia’s Ward 2.
I have been actively seeking to educate myself on these extremely important issues.
Joe Winacott. Ward 4
Yes
I think it is very important to protect our lakes and ecosystem. I am sure there are untapped resources we can look into to help provide funding.
Mathew Lund
Yes
I am a Director on the Board for the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition
Elizabeth Van Houtte
Yes
However, only a consortium of municipalities that is willing to place serious political pressure on the province will make any headway. If recent elections have shown us anything it is that lack of action and avoiding public discourse wins elections. While local government posits support for reduction of pollution and sprawl, it continues to approve those very same actions in economic development goals. Our province has been very efficient at squeezing local government and forcing bad local decisions to avoid responsibility.
Paula Hill-Coulson
Yes
I hear from many fisher people and residents how much of an issue this is. Very, very concerning. I look forward to hearing from you and other organizations how this can be implemented and working to achieve this goal.
BRIAN Hare
Yes
Whitney Smith
Undecided
I would like to learn more about the plan to reduce pollution in our lakes.
Allan Bray
Yes
Provincial government funding is part of the answer, but the meat of the plan will ultimately determine the outcome. With this in mind I would expect the plan to include legislation to address phosphorous loading at the source, in addition to financial incentives. Incentive structures by themselves can be cut in the future, effectively rolling back any improvements. But paired with legislation, the change should be permanent.
Cria Pettingill
Yes
Steven Fishman
Yes
Rick Schell
Yes
Andre Jmourko
Yes
Dieter Mueller
Undecided
It would be nice to know what the current phosphorous loading is.
Here in Barrie, one of the pollutants entering the lake is harmful ASBESTOS fibres from up to 100 streets paved with ASBESTOS-Asphalt mix. Asbestos has the ability of irreparibly harming the fish in Lake Simcoe.
Then there’s Sodium Chloride aka SALT. This too needs to be seriously controlled.
Also, given the explosive growth in urbanization along the shores of Lake Simcoe from Orillia down and around to Keswick, would it not make sense to corral all that new surface runoff into holding ponds and clean out pollutants such as phosphorus and other pollutants? I think so.
Lisa Maxwell
Yes
Shawn Scott
Yes
I was part of an adhoc group of Councillors from across the Lake Simcoe watershed that collaborated over funding promises made by the Federal Government in the last two elections. All of us, dubbed the “Lake Simcoe Avengers” by the media, prepared motions calling for that funding. On March 9th 2022 I delivered my motion and it was passed unanimously.
Aided by these motions to all of our provincial and federal representatives, the Federal Government committed 16 million dollars and the Provincial Government 24 million dollars.
Ryan McKnight
Yes
Thank you for your passion to protect Lake Simcoe.
Ajmal Noushahi
Undecided
Amanda Pace
Yes
This should be at the forefront as I believe Lake simcoe is one of our greatest assets! As part of a larger ecosystem that needs our protection for future generations to come.
Brian Johns
Yes
Gary Lamb
Yes
Sharon Doran
Yes
Tracy Strohm
Yes
We need to go further than this and encourage the inclusion of grey water recycling systems within all new developments and rebuilds.
michael Lovisotto
Yes
the protection of our lakes is fundamental to the prosperity of our future generations
Rick Turner
Yes
As someone who enjoys swimming and fishing in Lake Simcoe, I feel we might need to reduce the phosphorous levels even more. Keep up the good work.
Andrew Harrigan
Yes
Absolutely – all levels of leadership need to shift their ideologies to that of being solution focused not deficit based – too often we have the decision makers at the proverbial table, yet our said leadership fails to lead and make a decision. If there is an identified issue, which there is here, then it is the responsibility of the ‘state’ to ensure protection for our habitat.
Fred drodge
Yes
Kevin Eckhardt
Yes
Whether a municipality or provincial government it is important for all levels of government to understand and implement changes to pollution to our lakes and waters. I wouldn’t be opposed to municipalities requesting assistance to tack pollution concerns.
Constance Elliott
Yes
Clare Riepma
Yes
Megan Varga
Yes
I absolutely do. Wastewater treatment plants and clean water treatment plants need to have their levels reviewed. Also, the natural coverage needs to become a priority to help reduce the levels. We only have one chance to keep the lake healthy. If it gets anymore polluted it will never get back to where it needs to be.
Bob Ossowski
Undecided
I chose undecided. I did read the discussion paper and I did find it informative. After reading it I would like to see the municipalities act along with the conservation authority to come up with a lower cost plan and a strategy to implement it. We could then ask the province for additional funding. Rain barrels, cisterns, road sweeping, bioswalesm stream bank rehabilitation all would be a great start. Municipalites should work to eliminate septic systems near lakes, rivers and streams. The cost could be amortized over a long period to lessen the impact on property owners.
Lisa Maxwell
Yes
Alex Waters
Undecided
Tara Roy-DiClemente
Yes
Municipalities and the Federal government have invested, so too should the Province, especially since they are the level of government who established the threshold.
Jonathan Scott
Yes
Since being elected around 21 months ago in a by-election, I have put a dedicated focus on environmental protection, including reducing phosphorous in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Alongside Cllr Dave Neeson, we worked to unite area municipalities to successfully push for over $24 million in funding towards the Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Recycling Plant, which will represent the single largest reduction in phosphorus into the watershed. We also worked to secure renewed federal funding for Lake Simcoe protection.
Relatedly yet more broadly, I have advocated in Bradford for smart growth strategies that prioritize building new housing within the existing urban boundary in communities that are walkable and transit-oriented, including championing a complete streets approach with cycling infrastructure and boulevard tree planting. This focus on reducing sprawl by building new condos and infill rather than greenfield development will help to reduce phosphorous loading into the watershed. Further, I’ve championed retrofits of existing buildings, such as the coming conversion of a public school into a community hub, the retrofits of which will halve the buildings GHG emissions, as well as converting our library’s lighting to LED. I also helped to secure funding for environmental mitigation retrofits to Bradford’s existing wastewater treatment plant, both to enhance environmental controls and compliance within the existing capacity (with no expansion) and to reduce issues such as odours. Additionally, I have secured investments in new trails, green space, parkland and am working towards additional conservation lands. Finally, I have set in motion the town’s first Climate Change Mitigation Master Plan process, which will, if passed, represent a comprehensive approach to ensuring the municipality embeds sustainability in all it does, including energy efficiency, electrification of our vehicle fleet and sustainability as a principle in our procurement policies.
As a lifelong environmental advocate, I make a point of working collaboratively with local e-NGOs to listen to their concerns and try to align municipal priorities and spending towards environmental protection; thank you to Lake Simcoe watch for this thoughtful questionnaire and the chance to share a bit more about what I have endeavoured to do in Bradford since being elected in 2020. If reelected, I have been clear that environmental protection is one of my three main priorities, along with revitalizing the older end of town I serve and supporting the vulnerable.
Anil Dutta
Yes
Craig Nixon
Undecided
Mike Anderson
Yes
I firmly believe the Ontario government should live up to its commitment to lower phosphorus levels in Lake Simcoe. I spent much of my boyhood days on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, and I have seen first hand the ecological damage done to that lake by high phosphorus levels. We must protect this natural jewel for future generations. “Water is the driving force of all nature” – Leonardo da Vinci
Simon Lloyd
Undecided
Thank you for sending me this information!
Andrew Edge
Yes
As a councillor in the Town of Georgina I would be asking the province and the Region to fully fund the Art Janes Pumping Station phosphorus filtration and start construction. I would also be looking at how the Town of Georgina Improving stormwater runoff through the reduction of phosphates being used and then traveling into Lake Simcoe. In addition to this I would be looking at ways we can reduce the amount of salt used on our roads, sidewalks, and consumer areas.
Nick Seretis
Yes
Vegetated Buffer Strips, Streambank Fencing, and Streambank Stabilization have the highest phosphorus reduction efficiency, and when installed, will have the lowest long term costs. This should be implemented immediately as a first step. For additional reading material, I would direct you to read the ACS Publication titled “Reducing Phosphorus to Curb Lake Eutrophication is a Success”
Dan Fellini
Yes
Dale Kerr Genge
Yes
The phosphorus removal plant in Holland Landing needs to be completed as soon as possible.
Thank you to Lake Simcoe Watch for all the work you do!