By Angie Sullivan
One of the best parts of living in Georgina during the summer is our access to Lake Simcoe. But according to the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC) the lake is getting warmer, saltier, and seeing more harmful blue-green algae outbreaks.
“The good news? What happens locally matters,” the RLSC said as it launched a new year-long program in partnership with the Town of Georgina to help protect Lake Simcoe and strengthen our community’s climate resilience.
“Love Your Lake is about making it easy for people to do the right thing,” said Jonathan Scott, executive director of RLSC. “Small actions, such as planting trees, reducing runoff and rethinking shoreline practices, add up to meaningful improvements in water quality and resilience. This partnership with the Town of Georgina allows us to meet residents where they are and turn awareness into action.”
Several events are planned in Georgina this summer including a Pefferlaw Tree Giveaway on May 9, Canada Day celebrations on July 1, Beach Bash in July, involvement in the Sutton Farmers’ Market on Sundays, and the Painted Perch Festival and Field to Table event in August.
“Lake Simcoe is truly Georgina’s crown jewel, and protecting it requires both leadership and community involvement,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “Love Your Lake helps translate our Climate Action Plan and environmental priorities into visible, local action. This program empowers residents to be part of the solution while strengthening our shoreline communities.”
This campaign ties directly to Georgina’s Climate Action Plan, in which Mayor Margaret Quirk said, “Each of us has a role to play. Whether it’s choosing active transportation, buying local or planting pollinator gardens, small changes add up to big impacts.”
“As a longtime advocate for Lake Simcoe, this plan reaffirms and strengthens our commitment to protecting the lake and the health of our community,” said Ward 3 Coun. Dave Neeson, Chair of the Georgina Environmental Advisory Committee. “Our residents and community partners have shown incredible leadership, whether it’s advocating for phosphorus and salt reduction in the lake or protecting our vital green spaces.”
Love Your Lake has four stated goals: to increase awareness of climate impacts on Lake Simcoe, to promote practical solutions at the property level, to build optimism and community leadership and to encourage participation in local climate action. Through community events, educational materials, and hands-on engagement, the campaign will connect residents with tools and resources to reduce runoff, limit salt use, plant native species, and protect shorelines.
Georgina residents can do their part by making responsible choices in how they maintain their driveways, lawns, and gardens. That may mean using fewer chemicals and pollutants throughout the year.
Residents can find campaign details, a full calendar of events and ways to get involved at rescuelakesimcoe.org/our-work/love-your-lake-georgina/.
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