Working together to protect Lake Simcoe

The youth show their opposition to the proposed Bradford Bypass

By Claire Malcolmson, Executive Director of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition

We hope that you too are enjoying all that Lake Simcoe gives us this summer – a place to greet and play with loved ones outside and enjoy wildlife viewing, relaxation, exciting sports, and a sense of home and place. I know for me and my family, Lake Simcoe has been more important than ever this year.

But with the privilege of accessing the lake also comes responsibility. At this time, the threats to Lake Simcoe are many, serious, and irreversible. UNLESS we stop them. We are better together, and that means we need your support. Double the impact of your donation this summer with matching funds up to $5000 from Board Member Linda Wells. Below you will find many ways to support us.

Together with a small army of volunteers and other organizations, we are fighting the Bradford Bypass as it is planned today. The government of Ontario is using 24-year-old studies and semi-complete plans to build a highway that may be a toll road to connect the 400 and 404 highways.

Over the Holland Marsh wetlands and Holland Rivers.

That’s right.

Wiping out wetlands, bird and amphibian habitat, a significant archaeological site, and putting salt in the lake.

We have got Barrie, Innisfil, and Brock Councils (and hopefully more) to express concern about this irresponsible plan. We are winning the war of minds, and are getting incredible media coverage but this unfunded campaign needs serious attention if we are going to win this fight. We hope you can help us win this one. Donate today!

The province has also ordered an obscene and unnecessary amount of development to occur all around the lake. New development brings more phosphorus pollution overland, in sewage treatment plants, and via a loss of natural and agricultural lands. We are supporting local voices and groups, and weighing in ourselves, on the “Municipal Comprehensive Reviews” of Lake Simcoe watershed municipalities in York Region, Simcoe County, and Durham Region.

All of this is happening with the backdrop of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan review. Right now the province (with a newly minted Minister of the Environment) is making decisions about how and whether to change the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. Thank you SO MUCH for participating in our two-year Protect Our Plan campaign!

What frustrates us is that we know better now. We know we should protect all wetlands as climate change impacts grow. We know people need access to transit, not more highways over greenspaces. Please help us advocate for the lake by making a charitable donation today! 

Five Ways to Support the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition

1. Our Board member Linda Wells is matching donations up to $5000 this summer. Donate money or transfer of securities here and double your impact.
2. Buy gorgeous artwork by Lake Simcoe artist Richard Vandermeer, using our online auction site from August 23rd – Sept 20th, 2021. Stay tuned!
3. Host a Facebook fundraiser for the Rescue Lake Simcoe Charitable Foundation on your birthday or during World Water Week, August 23 – 27.
4. Long-distance swimmers are raising funds and awareness for us in that week too!
5. Purchase Water Protector Jewelry.