Table Of Content

MINISTER’S ANNUAL REPORT ON LAKE SIMCOE 2011–2012 Prepared by: The Government of Ontario January 2013 Cover photos credit: Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation. For more information or to request a printed copy of the Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe in English or French, or in an alternative format, please contact the: Ministry of the Environment Public Information Centre Telephone: 416-325-4000 Toll free: 1-800-565-4923 Email: [email protected] www.ontario.ca/environment © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2013 Cette publication est également disponible en français PIBS 9220e CONTENTS MINISTER’S MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 OUR VISION FOR LAKE SIMCOE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 WATER QUALITY AND PHOSPHORUS REDUCTION . . . . . . 6 WATER QUANTITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 AQUATIC LIFE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 LOCAL STEWARDSHIP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 LOCAL PLANNING AND INNOVATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 NEXT STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012 1 MINISTER’S MESSAGE I am pleased to present this progress report municipal organizations have shown good on the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. Building will and foresight by reducing their own on consultation with citizens and expert impact on the watershed and investing in advice from scientists, the Lake Simcoe Lake Simcoe’s future. Protection Plan sets a new standard for As we learn to adapt to climate change and environmental protection of a watershed. develop new ways to protect our environment, The ministry has continued working with we are creating sustainable communities that many partners to implement the plan in care for and protect the environment. That is order to restore and protect the ecological the way forward for Ontario, and it is being health of the lake and its watershed. pioneered in Lake Simcoe. Homeowners and cottagers living on While there are some encouraging signs the water know that Lake Simcoe and its of progress on Lake Simcoe, we still have tributary streams and rivers are under many much more to do. Over the coming year environmental pressures — most notably, we will continue to provide opportunities high phosphorus pollution. Much work by for residents of the Lake Simcoe watershed the people of the Lake Simcoe basin and the to take action to protect their lake. We are province is helping to turn this situation monitoring, researching and learning about around. We are seeing a return of native the lake, and we are committed to using a best lake trout, lowering of phosphorus levels, science approach so we can stay flexible and increases in oxygen that fish need to survive, apply new ideas, techniques and innovations improvements to the shoreline and local as they become available. We will continue to doing their part to protect the lake and stewardship that is a model for watershed be guided by the Lake Simcoe Coordinating its watershed. Whether you are a farmer, protection. Committee and the Lake Simcoe Science resident, visitor, boater or angler, you can None of this would be possible without Committee. We need to work with our help protect the lake. I want to say “thank the financial support of the Lake Simcoe partners to achieve our implementation you” to all of our citizens, stakeholders watershed municipalities, the Province of targets. and partners for their time, dedication and Ontario, the Government of Canada and the expertise and I look forward to continuing to Realising the goals of the Lake Simcoe many contributors who have taken the time to work with you in the future. Protection Plan requires hard work, restore a wetland, protect a piece of shoreline collaboration and commitment from all or simply buy a rain barrel. Numerous corners. The plan depends on everyone Jim Bradley agricultural, commercial, industrial and Minister of the Environment 2 Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012 BACKGROUND Lake Simcoe is the largest inland lake in Many groups and individuals are working The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan takes a southern Ontario outside of the Great Lakes. hard to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe science-based, ecosystem approach that The watershed is home to 350,000 people. watershed. To help bring their projects considers cumulative impacts and constantly The lake is fed by 35 major streams and together and build upon their many adapts to new events and knowledge. It rivers, some of which originate in the Oak successful initiatives, our government recognizes that a healthy environment is Ridges Moraine and flow northward. These developed the Lake Simcoe Protection Act the keystone of healthy communities and a tributaries drain a 2,899 km2 watershed. which was passed by the Ontario Legislature healthy economy, and it provides a roadmap The largest, Talbot River, links the lake with in December 2008. The act required the for helping to protect and restore the health the Kawartha lake system and Lake Ontario, development of the Lake Simcoe Protection of Lake Simcoe. via the Trent-Severn Waterway. The only Plan, which was launched in June 2009 The Ministry of the Environment is working outlet from Lake Simcoe is Lake Couchiching. following consultation on a draft plan. collaboratively with federal, provincial Lake Simcoe’s aquatic communities and The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan was and local governments, including First habitats are stressed by poor water quality designed “to protect and restore the ecological Nations and Métis, the Lake Simcoe Region and pressures from human activities. Lake health of Lake Simcoe and its watershed.” Conservation Authority, universities and Simcoe’s fish and their habitats tell us a lot These were significant accomplishments — other stakeholders to implement the Lake about the quality of the aquatic ecosystem the act was the first legislation in Canada Simcoe Protection Plan. and overall health of the lake and its to focus on a watershed and the plan was surrounding environments. This Minister’s Report on Lake Simcoe is the first of its kind in Ontario to address the second report on the implementation of identified threats to the Lake Simcoe the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. The report watershed. Building on consultation with describes the measures taken to implement citizens and expert advice from scientists, the the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. The report plan sets a new standard for environmental also summarizes advice from the Lake protection of a watershed by: Simcoe Science Committee and Lake Simcoe • promoting immediate action to address Coordinating Committee. threats to the ecosystem, such as excessive phosphorus in the lake, and • targeting new and emerging causes of stress to Lake Simcoe, such as invasive species and climate change. Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012 3 OUR VISION FOR LAKE SIMCOE We believe … • where our children can take their children Plan is what makes our progress possible, to the beach and our grandchildren can thanks to all those who have participated. • that the lake is life and the health of the take their grandchildren fishing and However, there are still significant challenges. lake determines the quality of life canoeing The ministry looks forward to working with all partners as we continue this important The level of community involvement and We see a Lake Simcoe work to protect Lake Simcoe. enthusiasm for the Lake Simcoe Protection watershed … • where a healthy environment provides the foundation for healthy communities, healthy people and a healthy economy • where the well-being of diverse life forms — fish, wildlife, plants and human beings — is enhanced • where we protect our natural environment for future generations • where natural shorelines are maintained and where development is well planned and ecologically sound • where citizens, governments, businesses and industries are stewards of the land, water and natural heritage • where there is greater cooperation, leadership and responsibility among all parties to protect the Lake Simcoe watershed for present and future generations 4 Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012 Highlights of • Implemented six subwatershed plans to Get Involved our progress to date protect and restore the: – East Holland River We all have a role to play in protecting Results from our science and monitoring – West Holland River Lake Simcoe. Please explore the ministry’s work tell us: – Black River website for tips on how you can do your part such as: • Spring total phosphorus concentrations – Maskinonge River in the lake are decreasing, a good signal – Beaver River • at home or at the cottage of progress to help reduce algae. – Pefferlaw River • on the water • The proportion of naturally reproduced • Produced a new guide for municipalities • managing fertilizer use, and lake trout and lake whitefish caught by on how to develop and implement • protecting the shoreline. anglers rose from less than 20 per cent in stormwater management master plans to the mid 2000s to more than 40 per cent help reduce loadings of phosphorus and Lake Action in the winter of 2010. other nutrients, and reduce discharges of • Trends show an increase in the lake’s pollutants. Whether you are a landowner, farmer, deep water oxygen levels. This in turn • Started “My Actions, Our Lake Simcoe”, visitor or business owner, you have a role contributes to better habitats for a voluntary action plan to help residents to play in protecting and improving the coldwater fish. and visitors reduce phosphorus at home, health of the Lake Simcoe watershed. We encourage you to get involved in the Lake naturalize shorelines and protect against Together with our community partners, Simcoe Protection Plan. invasive species. we have: • Hosted the first Lake Simcoe Science Just as it has taken decades for Lake Simcoe • Supported more than 1,500 stewardship to decline, it will take a long time forum to share how our collaborative projects helping landowners access funds to realize the true success of our actions. monitoring and research activities are to improve environmental conditions helping to protect and restore the lake. By working together, everyone can make around the lake. • Encouraged anglers to properly dispose of a difference in preserving Lake Simcoe for • Taken action to reduce phosphorus from bait fish to help minimize invasive species. future generations. 15 sewage treatment plants. These plants • Demonstrated to boaters how to clean must meet stringent phosphorus loading boats to reduce pollution and the spread caps by 2015. of invasive species. • Developed Lake Simcoe Fish Community Objectives to guide recovery of fisheries. Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012 5 WATER QUALITY AND PHOSPHORUS REDUCTION The Lake Simcoe watershed has experienced as lake trout and lake whitefish began to a wide range of interrelated pressures decline. During the 1980s and 1990s, the lack affecting the watershed — excessive nutrients, of oxygen was so severe in Lake Simcoe that pollutants, invasive species, climate change, young coldwater fish were unable to survive. and increasing pressures from human Helping the fish, in turn, helps the lake, and activities. The nutrient phosphorus was to do that requires increasing oxygen levels. identified as a problem for the health of Increasing the levels of oxygen in the water the lake in the 1970s. The ministry and requires reducing the levels of phosphorus. our partners have been taking actions to Actions have been taken since the 1980s to reduce phosphorus loading and carrying out reduce phosphorus inputs, as indicated in the monitoring to help us further understand its Report on Phosphorus Loads to Lake Simcoe sources and impacts. and oxygen concentrations in the deep water have improved. There have been recent Why do we need encouraging signs of the recovery of natural to reduce Phosphorus? coldwater fish populations. But phosphorus levels are still high and oxygen levels are still below the optimal level for a self-sustaining Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient coldwater fishery. that all living things need to grow; however, too much phosphorus in the lake has led to excessive growth of plants and algae. The Phosphorus decomposition of these plants and algae, in Reduction Strategy turn, depletes oxygen levels in the deep waters Protection Plan. This strategy is a cornerstone of the lake and deprives fish of the oxygen The province, working with the Lake Simcoe of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, and they need to thrive. Reducing phosphorus Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA), is critical to achieving the ambitious and in the lake is absolutely critical to improving local stakeholders, municipalities and aggressive reductions in phosphorus needed the health of the lake, water quality and the other partners, developed a comprehensive to eventually restore and protect the lake’s coldwater fish community. Water quality Phosphorus Reduction Strategy in June water quality and ecological health. issues first became apparent in the 1960s 2010 under Policy 4.24 of the Lake Simcoe when popular coldwater sport fish such 6 Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012 The following chart shows the main sources Simcoe watershed, the Phosphorus Reduction available. It will also provide technical of phosphorus in the Lake Simcoe watershed Strategy will incorporate the latest scientific guidance to help municipalities reduce their and the average annual load from each source knowledge, best practices and innovative phosphorus loadings. over a five-year period from 2002 to 2007. design and technology as they become The average total load during that period was 72 tonnes per year. The Phosphorus Reduction Strategy addresses the entire watershed. It guides actions over the next 35 years to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Simcoe and its watershed from the following sources: • sewage treatment plants • atmospheric (airborne) sources of phosphorus such as dust and windblown erosion • agricultural polders such as the Holland Marsh • private septic systems located close to the lake, and • runoff from rural and agricultural areas and stormwater runoff from urban areas. Phosphorus Budget Tool The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan sets a The Phosphorus Reduction Strategy sets as an objective a “move to no net increase in phosphorus deepwater dissolved oxygen target of seven loading from new development.” The phosphorus budget tool will allow developers to do a milligrams per litre. This is the oxygen level science‑based assessment of impacts before, during and after development as well as planning required to support a naturally reproducing ways to reduce phosphorus loading from construction activities through the use of best and self-sustaining coldwater fish community. management practices. Based on current science, this oxygen target With the tool, users can predict phosphorus loading on a subwatershed basis and compare different translates into an annual phosphorus load of land uses such as agricultural versus low intensity development. It may also be used to compare approximately 44 tonnes per year or about phosphorus loading for low impact development stormwater management techniques versus 40 per cent less than the current average load. conventional stormwater management techniques. To ensure that the ministry and our partners We welcome your comments on this new tool. meet our long-term objectives for the Lake Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012 7 This pressure is an important consideration limits. These new phosphorus caps must be Lake Action as urban centres are big water users. The met by each facility by June 2, 2015. discharge from sewage treatment plants and Airborne phosphorus accounts for about As a major step toward reducing phosphorus, stormwater facilities can affect water quality 27 per cent of the total amount entering the ministry’s Environmental Compliance Lake Simcoe. Work is being done with in the rivers and researchers at the University of Guelph to lake itself. identify likely sources, including: There are currently construction sites 14 municipal and one unpaved roads industrial sewage pits, quarries, and treatment plants in the Lake Simcoe agricultural fields. watershed (see map). Seven of the plants discharge directly The university’s researchers suggest into Lake Simcoe that about 40 per cent of the airborne while the other eight phosphorus comes from local sources in discharge into rivers the watershed that can be addressed under that flow into the our plan. These results will help the ministry lake. The average and our partners evaluate the effectiveness annual phosphorus of our management options for reducing load from sewage atmospheric phosphorus. treatment plants between 2002 and 2007 was about five New limits on tonnes per year, which Phosphorus from represents about Sewage Treatment Plants seven per cent of the total phosphorus load to the lake. Under The urban areas of the watershed are the Phosphorus experiencing varying degrees of growth Reduction Strategy, pressure. The population for the Simcoe these facilities County area is forecasted to reach must achieve new approximately 667,000 people by 2031. phosphorus loads and 8 Minister’s Annual Report on Lake Simcoe 2011–2012