Protecting Lake Simcoe
Our protection measures will build on the science and work already done by the province, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, municipalities and community groups through initiatives such as the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy (LSEMS). Visit the LSEMS web site for more information about this work.
Lake Simcoe Protection Act
On June 17, 2008 we introduced the proposed Lake Simcoe Protection Act. The act, if passed, would allow the province to develop and implement an effective protection plan for the lake and surrounding regions. The proposed legislation is posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights registry. The registry number is 010-3753.
- News Release: Province Protecting Lake Simcoe
- Backgrounder: Moving Forward to Protect Lake Simcoe
- Lake Simcoe Protection Plan: Proposed Outline
Lake Simcoe is the largest lake in southern Ontario, outside of the Great Lakes. It offers many benefits: water to drink and play in; fish to eat; and a beautiful natural environment.
The health of Lake Simcoe is at risk and one of the key concerns is phosphorus. Some phosphorus is important to ecosystem health, but too much of it causes plants in the lake to grow excessively. When these plants eventually decay, they use up a lot of the water’s oxygen, leaving the lake’s fish with less and less of the oxygen they need.
Phosphorus comes from sewage plants, storm sewers, septic systems, urban and agricultural run-off, and airborne particles.
Input and Advice from Stakeholders and Scientists
Earlier in 2008, the Ontario government sought input on improving the health of Lake Simcoe from people who live and work in surrounding regions.
Fact Sheets:
- We released a Discussion Paper that invited public input on a range of measures to protect the health of the Lake Simcoe watershed ecosystem.
- We created a Science Advisory Committee with expertise in water quality, lake and basin ecology, and impacts of surrounding areas on lake health and aquatic life.
- We invited community partner groups and associations to participate in Discussion Paper Workshops, and members of the public were invited to attend Information Forums.
- We appointed a Stakeholder Advisory Committee representing the interests of municipalities, farmers and the agricultural sector, tourism, fisheries, business, developers, residents, cottagers and environmentalists.
Other Actions Taken to Protect Lake Simcoe
In March 2008, we put interim limits on sewage plants and stormwater facilities around Lake Simcoe. These limits help protect water quality in the lake while we work on a long term strategy. (The regulation that sets the limits is posted on the Environmental Bill of Rights Registry; registry number 010-2246.)
We are also investing $850,000 in studies and innovative projects to help reduce the amount of phosphorus going into Lake Simcoe from sources inside and outside the watershed. Some of this money is going to promoting the simple things people can do around their homes and workplaces to reduce their phosphorus footprint.
You can help reduce the phosphorus loading to Lake Simcoe by doing simple things such as using less fertilizer, picking up pet waste, using phosphorus-free detergents for washing dishes, laundry and your car, and disconnecting downspouts. To learn more about what you can do:
- Read An Action Guide To Improving The Waters Of Lake Simcoe to learn about how phosphorus affects the lake and how you can help reduce phosphorus pollution.
- Click here to see some ideas for reducing phosphorus from your garden.
- Start a Yellow Fish Road Program in your school or neighbourhood.
Disclaimer: The Ministry of the Environment is not responsible for and does not necessarily endorse the information on web sites that are linked to from this site.
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Last modified: July 04 2008.