Why This Matters:
Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment are important to the health and prosperity of the entire County, but especially those municipalities in the northern and western sections of the region.
From water provision, water filtration, air purification to carbon sequestration and recreation, these areas are important to our public health and provide key green infrastructure to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. Unfortunately, increasing threats from invasive species, micro-plastic pollution, increased urbanization and climate change could devastate these areas.
For example, municipalities along south Georgian Bay will likely see a higher rate of precipitation and increased air temperatures. This will impact the water levels in Georgian Bay, its recreational value and its ability to provide water to current lake-based intakes. Forward thinking municipalities will need to begin now to address measures they can take to reduce emissions, protect the bay as well as have plans in place to address infrastructure failures and water stress.
The Niagara Escarpment, which is the longest continuous natural corridor in south-central Ontario, is also facing threats from inappropriate development, invasive species and climate change. The escarpment protects the headwaters of five of Ontario’s major river systems and numerous threatened species. In fact, the Niagara Escarpment was recognized as an internationally significant ecosystem when the United Nations designated it as a biosphere reserve in 1990. Again, municipal councils have an important role in making decisions that support and preserve this important ecosystem.
From water provision, water filtration, air purification to carbon sequestration and recreation, these areas are important to our public health and provide key green infrastructure to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate. Unfortunately, increasing threats from invasive species, micro-plastic pollution, increased urbanization and climate change could devastate these areas.
For example, municipalities along south Georgian Bay will likely see a higher rate of precipitation and increased air temperatures. This will impact the water levels in Georgian Bay, its recreational value and its ability to provide water to current lake-based intakes. Forward thinking municipalities will need to begin now to address measures they can take to reduce emissions, protect the bay as well as have plans in place to address infrastructure failures and water stress.
The Niagara Escarpment, which is the longest continuous natural corridor in south-central Ontario, is also facing threats from inappropriate development, invasive species and climate change. The escarpment protects the headwaters of five of Ontario’s major river systems and numerous threatened species. In fact, the Niagara Escarpment was recognized as an internationally significant ecosystem when the United Nations designated it as a biosphere reserve in 1990. Again, municipal councils have an important role in making decisions that support and preserve this important ecosystem.
Did You Know…?
- 99% of carbon emissions in the Georgian Bay region come from community actions. Decisions made at the municipal level have direct influence on those household decisions including whether they take transit/active transportation or require a car, the type of heating/energy available or the distance between their homes and daily needs.
What You Can Do As A Municipal Leader:
To support Georgian Bay:
To support the Niagara Escarpment:
- Pass a municipal resolution to ban unencapsulated dock foam for new docks & dock repairs. Polystyrene foam is a major source of plastic pollution for the bay and is unnecessary since reasonably priced alternatives now exist.
- Act on the maintenance and inspection of septic systems along the Bay to reduce seepage of nutrients and bacteria in its waters
- Ensure your local official plan and zoning bylaws are protecting Georgian Bay from its greatest threats. Review the Great Lakes Action Plan 2030 to learn more about the threats to Georgian Bay and what municipalities can do.
To support the Niagara Escarpment:
- Advocate at the provincial level for stronger policies that would prohibit large scale development within the Niagara Escarpment. The province should be committing to permanent protection and stopping site alteration to conserve the Niagara Escarpment for future generations.
- If your municipality abuts the Niagara Escarpment, ensure your decisions support and preserve the escarpment and its ecosystems
- Support the creation of a Legacy Loop - an interconnected network of forest corridors and trails - so more people can enjoy the Escarpment.
Local Organizations That Can Help:
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