McGuinty Government Encourages Local Conservation Activities

July 23, 2010 - Huron County residents are improving water quality in the Maitland River watershed and at Lake Huron beaches with help from the Ontario government.

The Maitland Valley Conservation Authority received funding to implement best management practices that will help reduce nutrients and bacteria from entering local streams and waterways and make beaches safer for swimming. They include:

• creating protective zones along stream shores
• upgrading household septic systems
• creating rural stormwater ponds
• fencing livestock grazing areas.

The southeast shoreline of Lake Huron is a priority for provincial and federal efforts to improve and protect Great Lakes water quality. Through the Lake Huron Southeast Shores project, Ontario will continue to work with Canada, local governments, health units, conservation authorities and other partners to improve water quality in the area.

Ensuring the province’s water is plentiful and clean supports Ontario’s water strategy to protect and conserve water resources. This is part of the government’s Open Ontario Plan to make the province the leading clean water jurisdiction in North America.

QUOTES

• “We are promoting long-term environmental protection of our watersheds. The best way to accomplish this is to support the efforts of local people and organizations who know where the problems are and what action is necessary to resolve them. ” 
  - Carol Mitchell, MPP Huron-Bruce
  
• “I’m very pleased the province is supporting this shoreline water quality initiative. The MVCA welcomes the opportunity to partner with the province on this new approach to addressing water quality issues.”
  - Wilf Gamble, MVCA Chair

QUICK FACTS

• Stretching approximately 175 kilometres from Sarnia to Sauble Beach, the southeast Lake Huron shoreline is one of the longest continuous beachfronts on the Great Lakes.
• Recreation and tourism contributes $122.5 million annually to the local economy in beach-related spending.
• The province is investing $70,000 to help support the conservation authority’s work.

LEARN MORE

• Find out how you can get involved with projects aimed at improving water quality on Lake Huron’s southeast shore.
• Find out more information on Lake Huron and the Great Lakes.

Posted on 24 Jul 2010 ..... ...Back