Laws, Protection Plans and Strategies
The Lake Simcoe Protection Act, which was passed in December 2008, provides a legislative framework for protecting the Lake Simcoe watershed. The Act includes:
- clear objectives
- the requirement for a protection plan with legally binding policies
- the requirement for scientific and stakeholder committees to provide advice
- legal authority to create regulation that provides even further protection
If you’d like to give input on policies under development, please see our "Get Involved" section.
Here are the plans, strategies, and projects supporting the act that are already in place:
- Lake Simcoe Protection Plan
- Phosphorus Reduction Strategy
- Status of the Implementation of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan Policies
Lake Simcoe Protection Plan
Ontario released the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan in June 2009. The Plan was developed with the help of scientists who specialize in watershed protection.
The plan is a model for watershed protection and is directing efforts to restore the health of Lake Simcoe. It focuses on the most critical issues, including:
- Restoring the health of the cold water fisheries and other aquatic life within the Lake Simcoe watershed
- Improving and maintaining water quality
- Reducing the amount of phosphorus going into the lake
- Protecting and rehabilitating important natural areas such as shorelines
- Addressing impacts of invasive species, climate change and recreational activities
Phosphorus Reduction Strategy
Ontario's strategy to reduce phosphorus levels in Lake Simcoe will help ensure the long-term protection of the lake, watershed and ecosystem. It is based on a vision of shared responsibility and the continued reduction of phosphorus loadings to the lake over time – a long term, phased approach.
This strategy puts in place aggressive targets to reduce the high phosphorus levels in the lake by almost 40 per cent. Reducing phosphorus from 72 to 44 tonnes per year will improve water quality and protect the coldwater fish community.
