Ontario and Municipalities Help Protect the Great Lakes
McGuinty Government Renews Provincial-Municipal Collaboration
NEWSJune 24, 2012
Ontario and mayors from communities surrounding the Great Lakes have renewed their shared commitment to keep the Great Lakes clean.
Jim Bradley, Minister of the Environment, met with Brian McMullan, Mayor of St. Catharines and chair of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, to sign an updated two year Memorandum of Cooperation to continue working together to protect the Great Lakes’ coasts and beaches.
The joint efforts of the province and Great Lakes mayors have improved water quality and coastlines, increased understanding of the economic importance of the Great Lakes and improved drinking water, waste water and storm water facilities.
Protecting and restoring the Great Lakes is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to enhance the quality of life for Ontario families and ensure a strong, green economy for future generations.
QUOTES
“I am pleased to renew this commitment with Ontario’s Great Lakes municipalities as the province moves ahead with further protection for the Great Lakes. Our shorelines and beaches are vital to Ontario’s economy and underpin our quality of life. Our continued collaboration will help ensure our lakes remain healthy for the benefit of all.”
— Jim Bradley, Ontario Minister of the Environment
“This renewed commitment among municipal and provincial partners is an important step forward in our efforts to protect Ontario’s Great Lakes. Working together, we are improving water quality, protecting coastlines and preserving this valuable resource now and for future generations.”
— Michael Gravelle, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources
“Ontario’s Great Lakes Mayors are delighted to renew this important partnership with the Province of Ontario to ensure that our governments collaborate on the protection and restoration of the Great Lakes, the largest freshwater system on earth. It is only by working together that we can tackle the most challenging issues facing the Lakes”.
— Brian McMullan, Mayor of St. Catharines, Chair of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
QUICK FACTS
- On June 6, 2012, the McGuinty government introduced the Great Lakes Protection Act.
- The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative was founded in 2003.
- Ontario’s Great Lakes form the longest freshwater coastline in the world stretching more than 11,000 kilometres.
- Ontario’s Great Lakes basin contains 40 per cent of the country’s economic activity.
- About 98 per cent of Ontarians live within the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence basin.
LEARN MORE
- Read the Memorandum of Cooperation
- Learn about the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative
- Learn about the proposed Great Lakes Protection Act
- Comment on the Great Lakes Strategy
Lyndsay Miller, Minister’s Office, 416-314-6739
Kate Jordan, Communications Branch, 416-314-6666
