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Midland, Ontario, November 8, 2005

Key points presented at the public meeting

Welcome by Mayor

• The mayor spoke about the need to preserve Severn Bay and improve the water quality of Georgian Bay. The Mayor pointed out that water was diverted from Georgian Bay to supply a Honda plant in Aliston. Now there is pressure to extend the pipe to the York region to help with development there. Is the water in Georgian Bay for sale? This should not be allowed to happen.

Public

• Although water levels are not directly part of the review (water quality is), many participants expressed concern about declining water levels. Some asserted that it was not possible to separate issue of water levels from quality.
  
  
• The majority of the problem areas on the Areas of Concern (AOCs) A list of the 1987 Protocol remain problem areas. Would like to see more work on those not delisted and areas outside of the AOCs.
  
  
• Toxic chemicals are a serious concern. Many which were previously identified as a concern are no longer produced, but remain in the Lakes and are a problem. Need a process to deal with removing these residues from the Lakes.
  
  
• Local water quality declining. Septic systems cited as a problem, as was aquaculture. Swimmers itch becoming frequent.
  
  
• Georgian Bay has relatively good water quality, but there is pressure from development and other areas nearby that are interested in the water. Storm sewers empty directly into the bay. Monster houses are being constructed that use septic systems. Why doesn't Toronto use septic systems (if they are such a good idea)? Phosphorus levels have shown dramatic increases from 2002 to 2005 and fish levels have declined due to reduced oxygen levels.
  
  
• Sturgeon Bay suffering from blue green algae blooms. Local health unit has warned against using the water, including swimming in it. Declining water quality will lead to declining value of cottages.
  
  
• Environment Canada is not providing funding for remediation unless covered by the agreement. Need to start now to study and address other issues such as nutrient loads and the impact of aquaculture.
  
  
• Perry Sound suffering from impact of acquaculture. Ten cages, each with 30,000 fish (rainbow trout) rely on public waters to absorb the wastes. This free sewage disposal is harming water quality. Escapees and the use of antibiotics are also a problem. The Government of Ontario is sending operators to the cleanest waters and giving them free use of public waters. Earthen ponds, tanks, etc. would be sound alternatives.
  
  
• Agreement needs to be flexible and based on the scientific process. Governments need to gather baseline information to do comparisons.
  
  
• Not enough government funding for monitoring problem of new invasive species.
  
  
• Governments and NGOs should organize as watershed basins. The Great Lakes mayors need to play a greater role.
  
  
• Shore lines should be public and in their natural state.
  
  
• Concern expressed about the proposed "site 41 waste disposal site." Ontario government needs to stop such projects.
  
  
• Canada geese are majestic and well protected, but harm water quality with their droppings.

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