• Protecting Water and Farmland in Simcoe County

Who will protect Lake Simcoe? Find out what your candidates say

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In AWARE News Network
May 26th, 2018
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Lake Simcoe

From Lake Simcoe Watch

We asked the provincial election candidates in the 11 Lake Simcoe watershed ridings what they are willing to do to protect Lake Simcoe – and where they stand on four issues that are vital to the health of the watershed . Their responses are now posted on our web site: www.LakeSimcoeWatch.ca.

The four issues:

-Developing and implementing a plan to reduce phosphorus loadings to 44 tonnes per year by 2026. Reducing phosphorus loads is essential to protect our cold water fishery (e.g., lake trout and whitefish) and to reduce algae blooms and other noxious plant growth in the lake.
-Ensuring that at least 40% of Lake Simcoe’s watershed consists of high quality connected forests, wetlands and meadows. This natural cover is critical for filtering the water that flows into the lake and as habitat for wildlife. It also provides important recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors.
-Requiring the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to listen to the public when it comes to applications to destroy wetlands or other natural habitat. Listening only to developers on these vital issues leads to poor decision making.
-Amending the Development Charges Act to allow municipalities to recover 100% of their additional infrastructure costs to service new residential and commercial projects from their developers. For too long, average taxpayers have been subsidizing new development. It is time to make growth pay for growth.

Lake Simcoe Watch is a joint initiative of seven organizations, including AWARE Simcoe. Enter your postal code on its website and find out which of your candidate have responded

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