S. Henry on February 20, 2020
1. Do you support Lake Simcoe Watch’s recommendation that the Government of Ontario should develop a plan to reduce Lake Simcoe’s phosphorus pollution to 44 tonnes per year by 2026? If no, do you support the achievement of the 44 tonne per year target by a later date? If yes, please specify the date.
Yes, I support the recommendation to develop a plan. It is imperative to our long term enjoyment and sustainability of the area.
2. Do you support Lake Simcoe Watch’s proposed actions to reduce Lake Simcoe’s phosphorus pollution? If no, please explain why not and outline alternative actions that you believe should be taken to reduce Lake Simcoe’s phosphorus pollution?
Yes, I support the actions to reduce phosphorus pollution
3. Do you agree that the Development Charges Act should be amended to permit the Government of Ontario and Lake Simcoe municipalities to levy development charges to recover 100% of their costs of reducing Lake Simcoe’s phosphorus pollution? If no, please explain why not and outline how you believe the pollution reduction measures should be paid for.
Yes. However, I would like to clarify that this should be for new developments and should not penalize homeowners who want to make changes to their properties. To build a new garage in the county, the permit fees are already outrageous. Can the impact of the amendments be further explained.
4. Please provide any other comments about Lake Simcoe Watch’s report: Cleaning Up Lake Simcoe: A Discussion Paper.
More detail is required in terms of the types of developments from which this funding would come.
I believe there should also be federal grant possibilities given the climate plan. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in the environment cause diverse environmental effects - many of which directly affect human health and welfare. Beyond the effects on climate, these include air pollution, acid rain, marine and freshwater eutrophication, biodiversity loss, and the stimulation of some invasive species. Freshwater eutrophication carries a multibillion-dollar price tag. Some estimates suggest that safe planetary levels of nitrogen and phosphorus have already been exceeded, with long-term consequences for humanity.