Canadian Government committed to cleaning up Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay

BRADFORD, Ontario, April 15, 2014 /Canada NewsWire/ - Minister Van Loan and Dr. Colin Carrie were in Bradford, Ontario, today on behalf of the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of the Environment, Minister of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency and Minister for the Arctic Council, to highlight the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to clean up Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay.

As part of the first round of funding under the renewed and expanded Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund, $8.6 million will support 26 projects that will help restore and protect the health of Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay.

Among the recipients of Round 1 funding is Ducks Unlimited Canada. The Government of Canada invested $449,000to support the Lake Simcoe/Georgian Bay Wetland Collaborative project that will help in the restoration and enhancement of wetlands to reduce phosphorous inputs and improve habitat.

Quick Facts

• Economic Action Plan 2012 committed $29 million over five years to continue to support the Lake Simcoe Clean-up Fund and extend it to include South-eastern Georgian Bay.
  
• The Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund supports community-based projects that are focused on priorities such as reducing phosphorous inputs from urban and rural sources, restoring fish and aquatic wildlife habitat and populations, and addressing nearshore toxic and nuisance algae growth.
  
• The Fund is part of the Government's comprehensive approach to ensure clean water for all Canadians, which includes projects like the clean-up of contaminated sediment in Great Lakes Areas of Concern, and action on pollution in Lake Winnipeg. It builds on the success of the 2007-2012 $30 million Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund.

Quotes

"Our Government has made it clear that we are committed to ensuring the health of Lake Simcoe for future generations. Building on the success of the projects completed with the original investment of $30 million, we know the additional $29 million investment will mean the continued revitalization of the Lake and watershed—benefitting families who enjoy these waters and the businesses who rely upon it."

— The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Member of Parliament for York—Simcoe and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay are important natural resources, vital sources of drinking water, and regional economic drivers. Our Government is proud to be contributing to projects that will help ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada's lake and waterways."

— Dr. Colin Carrie, Member of Parliament for Oshawa and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Environment

"Ducks Unlimited Canada is very pleased to see Environment Canada support our Lake Simcoe/Georgian Bay Wetland Collaborative project. Wetlands are an essential component of a sustainable, healthy ecosystem. This project aims to reduce phosphorus and nutrient inputs into Lake Simcoe through the development of enhanced wetland protection policies and increased wetland restoration activities. We look forward to working with the collaborative partners to ensure healthier and more resilient landscapes in the Lake Simcoe and southeastern Georgian Bay watersheds."

— Lynette Mader, Manager of Provincial Operations, for Ducks Unlimited Canada

"Projects for Round 1 of the Lake Simcoe/South-eastern Georgian Bay Clean-Up Fund will go a long way to help the environment of the watersheds, while improving the quality of life of those who live near and enjoy the benefits of Lake Simcoe and South-eastern Georgian Bay."

— Richard Simpson, Public Advisory Committee Chair