The long anticipated warm weather has finally arrived and we are looking forward to a fantastic summer.
Over the winter, IDA has been working on local and provincial issues: Locally, IDA board members were involved in meetings regarding the new Rizzardo Health and Wellness Centre. This $20 million dollar facility opened last week and will eventually house diagnostic imaging and radiology, laboratory services, family doctors, walk-in clinic, outreach of Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie, dental office, pharmacy, physiotherapy, community kitchen and several other tenants, within a 4,134 sq. meter space – providing a full spectrum of health-care services for Innisfil residents “close to home.”
We are also scheduled to participate in an OMB hearing regarding the construction of a very large over the water boathouse at Crescent Harbour Road. Board members are preparing deputations to voice our concerns about the structure and its effect on the lake and the shoreline.
Many new Provincial decisions will be affecting the Lake Simcoe watershed and will be impacting all of us locally. IDA has partnered with Lake Simcoe Watch to join a coalition of NGOs to address a slew of regressive policies aiming to overturn decades of environmental protections put into place by previous governments of all political stripes. The list is staggering: cancellation of the Climate Act and cap-and-trade the legal challenge to carbon pricing, Bill 66, gutting of the Endangered Species Act, changes to the Environmental Assessment Act and Growth Plan, with more on the way.
IDA board members attended a “Protect our Plan” event celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan. The Plan is up for review this fall and IDA along with Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC) want to ensure that the Plan continues and is strengthened. IDA members have met with local MPP Andrea Khanjin to discuss their concerns. In collaboration with RLSC, we are exploring a joint campaign to educate people around the lake about issues such as phosphorus loading, water quality, increasing natural coverage and shoreline remediation. The goal is to educate and inform residents and local students, but also move them toward acting and engaging in stewardship activities.
In January, several IDA members attended a benefit concert “Love Letter to Lake Simcoe featuring Sarah Harmer, indigenous leaders, artists and local students. Proceeds are being directed to efforts to protect Lake Simcoe, drinking water and green spaces in Simcoe County and raising awareness about the condition of the lake.
Finally, we had our best turn out ever for Innisfil’s “Pitch in Day.” on May 11th. We thank all of those who participated in the annual cleanup. Everyone is looking forward to a warm beautiful summer on Lake Simcoe.
Your continued support is appreciated.
Your Board of Directors