The federal government announced on Tuesday that 19 projects will receive funding under round six of the Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund.
“Since 2008, the five-year Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund has provided more than $15 million to 165 local projects undertaken to preserve and improve this important water body. Today, we highlight the continued support of Lake Simcoe clean-up efforts by investing $4.1 million in 19 new restoration projects,” said Peter Van Loan, Canada’s International Trade Minister, on behalf of Environment Minister Peter Kent.
As part of this investment, the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) will receive $940,000 towards its Lake Simcoe Farm Stewardship Program. The purpose of this project is to increase the take-up of on-the-ground best management practices by farmers in the Lake Simcoe watershed. This will help reduce the amount of phosphorus that gets into the lake and increase the overall protection and enhancement of the lake.
“The agricultural lands of the watershed are capable of producing high quality crops, and the OSCIA knows that great care must be taken to sustain both the lands and water for future generations. This project strategically builds on the established success of the Canada-Ontario Environmental Farm Plan, and supports farm businesses that are acting to protect the Lake,” said Barry Hill, president of the OSCIA.
