GIO offers solutions for communities struggling with flooding, loss of greenspace and the impact of climate change. Partner meeting report:
On 28NOV19, on behalf of the IDA, I attended an Environmental meeting hosted by Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC) and Green Infrastructure Ontario (GIO), in Barrie.
Also present were representatives from several Strategic Alliances including:
- Margaret Prophet (Simcoe County Greenbelt Coalition (SCGC)
- Phil Brennan (Director with SCGC, past MNR)
- Bob Bowles (Environmental Consultant)
- Keenan Aylwin (Ward 2 Councillor, Barrie)
- Randy Greenlaw (Ward 5 Councillor, Oro-Medonte)
- Al McNair (Conservationist, Nature Barrie)
- Jennifer Court and Beatriz Gomez (GIO)
Current Lake Simcoe Problems and Suggested Solutions
Claire Malcolmson from RLSC reviewed the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan – 10 years later – and recapped the current problems, suggested solutions and made recommendations for change.
In Simcoe County, current problems range from greenspace deletion, phosphorus pollution, urban and stormwater runoff, to aggregate dust.
Solutions include a phosphorus offset program to diminishing flooding events through the protection of green infrastructure. In their 2019 report, ‘Environmental Policy Mapping in the Lake Simcoe Watershed: Protecting Natural Cover to Save Lake Simcoe’, Claire’s RLSC team mapped the Lake Simcoe Watershed and identified levels of environmental policy protection. They also looked at unevaluated wetlands, for which control has reverted to Municipalities for evaluating and potential protection. Further, provincially significant wetlands (PSWs) are no longer the responsibility of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
What does this mean?
Who is responsible for doing the evaluating and determining of these lands?
Some of the answers to these questions may rest with the Green Infrastructure of Ontario.
What is Green Infrastructure Ontario Coalition?
Green Infrastructure Ontario (GIO) Coalition is a 40-member alliance of organizations that share a common vision for a healthy, green Ontario where the economic, social, environmental and health benefits of green infrastructure are fully realized. In a little over 10 years, the Coalition has accomplished both Federal and Provincial policy submissions, created communication guides and case studies to help municipalities better understand how to incorporate green infrastructure in municipal plans and strategies.
“The term ‘Green Infrastructure encompasses both natural systems and engineered solutions.” A comprehensive Guide identifies ’17 types for green infrastructure’ ranging from the use of bioswales and dry ponds to permeable pavement and riparian buffers, ‘ most suitable for built areas of smaller cities, towns, and rural communities.’
IDA Recommendations
After an engaging presentation and lively discussion, I suggested they consult with the Town of Innisfil regarding Innisfil Beach Park plans. Further, I advised them of the opportunity to get involved with the Mobility Orbit plans and directed them to research https://www.getinvolvedinnisfil.ca/go
Submitted by
Deborah McGrath, IDA President