The Township of Brock is officially requesting that the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change formally investigate reports of pollution and sediment release into Lake Simcoe.
On Monday (Oct. 2), councillors voted to make the request of the provincial ministry, specifically regarding allegations of violations of the Ontario Water Resources Act and Lake Simcoe Protection Act. According to the motion, the concern of pollution and sediment release has been raised by many Township residents living near Lake Simcoe.
Read more: Heed the warnings, our water needs attention
The Township has reportedly met with affected landowners, agricultural producers and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to discuss the issue.
“(The) Township of Brock has been advised that only the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has the formal authority in which to enforce the provisions of the Ontario Water Resources Act,” reads the motion, carried unanimously.
In addition to requesting the formal investigation, the Township is also asking the Ministry to “review existing Permits To Take Water to ensure appropriate use of water drawn from Lake Simcoe for agricultural use; that the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority be requested to raise this issue with the Lake Simcoe Co-ordinating Committee; that staff arrange a meeting with agricultural operations and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to discuss remedial works to reduce the amount of non-point pollution sources with the consideration that the LSRCA consider matching funding; (and) that this resolution be forwarded to the LSRCA, the MPP, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Township of Ramara, and the City of Kawartha Lakes.”
Councillors around the table supported the motion, noting the issue has existed far too long already.
“I think this is something that has been a long time coming for a lot of us,” said Ward Two Councillor Cyndi Schaffer.
Her colleagues agreed.
“There has been a noticeable change in the material at the bottom of the lake,” said Mayor John Grant.
“The matters are squarely in the MOECC’s purview…I think it’s long overdue.”
Lynn Campbell, Councillor for Ward Five, said this motion is “a very positive step,” adding that she looks forward to the results of the research and potential improvements.
