Ice on Lake Simcoe
The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury is partnering with the Ontario Government on a phosphorus reduction project in the Lake Simcoe watershed.
This new project will improve the lake’s water quality and create healthier, stronger communities across the region.
“With today’s agreement, we are taking a significant step forward on a critical project to help protect, restore, and enhance Lake Simcoe for future generations,” says Andrea Khanjin, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. “Through our partnership with the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury, we will advance our work to reduce phosphorus discharges to Lake Simcoe, protect our environment, and build stronger local communities.”
The government reconfirmed its $24-million capital funding commitment for this project in Ontario’s 2024 Budget. The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury will use these funds from the province to initiate a new phosphorus treatment project that will help improve water quality by reducing phosphorus discharges into Lake Simcoe by up to two tonnes annually. This will help restore the cold-water fish community by improving deep water dissolved oxygen levels in the lake and help mitigate the potential for blue-green algal blooms.
The project is being informed by a research study conducted by the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) for the ministry to identify design options for the phosphorus reduction facility. OCWA’s report will help guide the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury as they take the lead on this project.
As a next step, the province is working with Bradford West Gwillimbury to begin carrying out the project’s required engineering and design work, including site selection. Once this important technical work is complete, construction can begin.
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