About Us
Frequently Asked Questions

What is your relationship to the Conservation Authority?

There are other organizations fundraising for Lake Simcoe. What do they they all do?

Isn't it the responsibility of the government to pay for a healthy Lake? What are they doing?

Isn't the Holland Marsh the biggest problem and source of phosphorus for Lake Simcoe?

Do you issue charitable tax receipts?

Can I donate stock or securities?

Can I donate to a specific project?


Answers

What is your relationship to the Conservation Authority?
We are a registered charitable organization that operates at arms length of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority(LSRCA), very much the way a hospital foundation operates. The current level of funding provided to the LSRCA for restoration and protection of Lake Simcoe is just over $1 million per year. The total required level of investment is approximately $164 million.

Our Foundation works to bridge this funding gap by raising money for watershed projects.

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There are other organizations fundraising for Lake Simcoe. What do they they all do?
A healthy, vibrant Lake Simcoe with a strong fish population and a solid economy will require work on many fronts. Some of the other organizations working toward the objective of a healthy, protected Lake Simcoe are:

The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition: Primary activities involve advocating for provincial legislation to protect Lake Simcoe.

The Ladies of the Lake: A group of enthusiastic and dedicated women who work to raise awareness and are currently focused on fundraising for education.

We believe that everyone has a role to play and it is important to continue to work together understanding the difference in the scope of our respective mandates. We encourage you to learn more about these organizations and get involved with an agency that fits your personal objectives.

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Isn't it the responsibility of the government to pay for a healthy Lake? What are they doing?
Yes, government is involved in many ways. Most municipal governments in the watershed are currently active members of the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA). As such they provide important operating and some restoration funding for the management of Lake Simcoe.

The Provincial Government recently invested $1 million to study the assimilative capacity of Lake Simcoe. In other words, how much growth can the watershed accomodate and where should (or should not) that growth take place.

The Federal Government has included Lake Simcoe in their 2007 budget. Twelve (12) million dollars has been allocated to help restore and protect the Lake. We look forward to learning more from Environment Canada about where and when these funds will be mobilized.

The fact is a significant funding gap still exists. The role of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation (LSCF) is to try and bridge the gap. History has told us that when the private sector starts to make significant investments, government responds. Demonstrate your commitment to a healthy Lake Simcoe and make a donation today.

Your funds will be used to carry out important restoration projects that wouldn't otherwise happen.

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Isn't the Holland Marsh the biggest problem and source of phosphorus for Lake Simcoe?
No. Phosphorus enters the Lake Simcoe ecosystem a variety of ways. The Holland Marsh is only responsible for 3% of the total phosphorus loading in Lake Simcoe (source: LSEMS 2006).

The largest source of phosphorus comes from the atmosphere with a relatively equal distribution between rural (36%) and urban (26%) communities. Phosphorus is not a Holland Marsh problem. It's a watershed problem. We must all work together to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering our rivers, streams and Lake.

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Do you issue charitable tax receipts?
Yes, gladly! Your tax receipt will be mailed to you within 24 hours of our receiving your donation. If you choose to make a monthly donation you will receive your annual tax receipt in January.

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Can I donate stock or securities?
Yes please! We have a brokerage account and will gladly accept your donation of securities. Donations of securities are exempt from Capital Gains Tax and we will issue a charitable receipt for the market value of the securities on the day they are donated. Contact us to discuss this option further.

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Can I donate to a specific project?
Yes, absolutely! We are currently actively fundraising for Conservation Education, East Holland Restoration, Tree Planting, Science and Research and General Lake Simcoe restoration (unrestricted). Simply indicate which of these programs you would like to direct your funding to.

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