LSRCA welcomes Province’s release of draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan

NEWMARKET – January 14, 2009 – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) welcomed the release of the draft Lake Simcoe Protection Plan by the Ontario government as the next step in the process promised by Premier McGuinty in July 2007.

“There are many citizens and groups with a deep concern for the long-term health of Lake Simcoe,” said LSRCA board chair and East Gwillimbury councillor Virginia Hackson. “The plan drafted by the Province follows a good deal of consultation around the watershed. We look forward to studying it and adding our comments to those of others who love the lake and want to restore its health and beauty.”

The process leading to the draft plan, as released Tuesday, included advice from the Lake Simcoe science and stakeholder advisory committees, stakeholder and public workshops, and public input from those who live and work around Lake Simcoe. The Province is now asking interested parties to read the draft plan and comment by March 16th at www.ontario.ca/lakesimcoe.

Gayle Wood, chief administrative officer for the LSRCA, served as co-chair on the stakeholder advisory committee. “The fact that we have a provincially legislated act and plan for this watershed is a remarkable milestone,” she said. “The conservation authority has long advocated for sustainable balance in the watershed. We hope this plan will help streamline the efforts of all partners to achieve that balance in the most efficient way.”