NEWS RELEASE
TOWN OF BRADFORD WEST GWILLIMBURY
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Yesterday’s 2022 federal budget included a $19.6-million funding commitment in 2022-23 for a Freshwater Action Fund, including Lake Simcoe. This announcement follows unprecedented action by Lake Simcoe area municipal leaders to secure federal funding to protect the watershed.
“I welcome the news that the federal government has recognized Lake Simcoe as a national priority,” said Georgina Mayor Margaret Quirk. “Our united front of watershed municipalities will continue to work collaboratively to ensure we protect the lake for future generations.”
“It is good to see the federal government making a start on delivering commitments to Lake Simcoe,” said Bradford Ward 2 Councillor Jonathan Scott. “The budget specifically mentions that further details are to come on how these funds will be used this year, so our advocacy will continue. We must ensure Lake Simcoe gets its fair share of the nearly $20 million in funding this year, and ensure the funding increases and the program is put on a long-term footing to deliver for our watershed.”
“Following unprecedented, united action by area municipalities, and by our area MPs of all parties, Lake Simcoe is back in the federal budget,” said Georgina Ward 3 Councillor Dave Neeson. “We look forward to learning more about this new funding program as details are announced, and are committed to ensuring federal funding delivers important projects to help restore Lake Simcoe.”
“The federal government has already pledged $16 million to the proposed Lake Simcoe phosphorus recycling facility and additional funding for conservation projects, so the new commitment this year to a Freshwater Action Plan is welcome news,” said East Gwillimbury Ward 3 Councillor Scott Crone. “We look forward to hearing more from Environment Minister Steven Guibeault about how these funds will support our watershed.”
The budget documents state on page 101: “Budget 2022 proposes to provide $19.6 million in 2022-23 to Environment and Climate Change Canada to sustain the Freshwater Action Plan. The future of this initiative will be communicated at a later date. This funding will support clean-up efforts in the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence River, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, the Fraser River, the Saint John River, the Mackenzie River, and Lake Simcoe.”
Area municipalities — including Bradford West Gwillimbury, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, Brock, Oro-Medonte, Orillia, Barrie, Newmarket — all passed motions calling on the federal government to restore funding for a “Lake Simcoe Restoration Fund” in the lead-up to yesterday’s budget.
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