The City of Orillia has joined other municipalities in calling on the provincial government to reduce phosphorus pollution in Lake Simcoe.
In 2009, the provincial government released the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, which called for the reduction of the lake’s phosphorus pollution to 44 tonnes per year, but no plan or budget has been developed to address the issue in the 14 years since.
Between 2015 and 2020, phosphorus pollution rose 26 per cent relative to its 2009 levels, stated a report brought to council by the city's environmental advisory committee.
In supporting the call, the City of Orillia joins Bradford West Gwillimbury and the Town of Georgina in requesting the provincial government develop a plan to reduce phosphorus pollution to 44 tonnes per year by 2030.
Madeleine Fournier, a member of the city’s environmental advisory committee, was set to discuss the report at Monday’s council meeting, but ultimately could not attend.
At the meeting, Coun. Ralph Cipolla questioned whether the city could add Lake Couchiching to the call.
“My understanding is that this is very similar to a motion that's been adopted by several other townships and municipalities that surrounds Lake Simcoe, so they have not included Lake Couchiching because that is perhaps not as relevant to them,” answered Coun. Janet-Lynne Durnford. “We could perhaps add a clause to this call, calling on the province to have same expectations or plan.”
Coun. Tim Lauer brought forward an amendment requesting that the environmental advisory committee report back on possible phosphorus reduction strategies for Lake Couchiching, which council supported.
While a certain amount of phosphorus is necessary in lakes and rivers, the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority website warns too much phosphorus can lead to excessive weeds, toxic algae, and oxygen depletion.
While phosphorus can come from many sources, a significant amount comes from storm water that has picked up phosphorus as it moves through paved surfaces in densely populated areas, the website states.
