Governments of Ontario and Canada release action plan to reduce harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie

Protecting and managing water quality in our lakes and rivers is essential for the well-being of Canadians, our environment and economic prosperity. Safeguarding our environment and growing our economy go hand in hand.

This is why today, the Governments of Canada and Ontario have released the final Lake Erie Action Plan.

The plan identifies more than 120 federal, provincial and partner actions, using mandatory and voluntary approaches, to help achieve the goal of reducing phosphorus entering Lake Erie by 40 per cent. The plan will be reviewed and revised as needed over time to ensure continued progress towards achievement of targets.

Phosphorus enters Lake Erie from many sources, including runoff from agricultural lands, urban centres, sewage treatment plants and septic systems. Actions in the plan to reduce phosphorus loads include upgrading municipal wastewater treatment and collection systems, encouraging effective techniques to keep phosphorus on farmland and out of the watershed and improving wetland conservation.

Phosphorus is a primary cause of harmful algal blooms that can have a wide range of impacts on the environment, human health and the economy: water quality, fish and wildlife populations and habitats are degraded; beaches are fouled; water intakes are clogged, commercial fisheries are at risk, and toxins can also pose a risk to humans.

The action plan was developed following extensive public engagement and close collaboration with Indigenous communities, municipalities, agricultural organizations, conservation authorities, interest groups, and others.

“The Great Lakes are a treasured resource for all Canadians. Through the Lake Erie Action Plan, we are working with our partners and delivering on a key commitment under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. Together, we are protecting our environment and strengthening our economy, and in doing so, improving freshwater resources so Canadians can swim, drink, and fish.”— Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment Climate Change

Indigenous peoples, as stewards of the land, have been valued partners in the development of this action plan. Canada and Ontario will continue to work in partnership with Indigenous communities within the Lake Erie basin to help implement the plan.

The agricultural sector also continues to be a leading partner in efforts to reduce phosphorus entering Lake Erie from agricultural land, and adopting ways to reduce their overall environmental impact.

Phosphorus is a primary cause of harmful algal blooms that can have a wide range of impacts on the environment, human health and the economy: water quality, fish and wildlife populations and habitats are degraded; beaches are fouled; water intakes are clogged, commercial fisheries are at risk, and toxins can also pose a risk to humans.

The Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan is an important milestone to protect the shared waters of the Great Lakes, and meets commitments under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement and the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health. The plan also meets commitments under the Ontario Great Lakes Protection Act and Ontario’s agreements with U.S. states.

QUICK FACTS

• Lake Erie is the shallowest and most biologically productive of the Great Lakes, and it receives high loads of phosphorus, making it highly susceptible to harmful blue-green and nuisance algal blooms.
• Estimates indicate that these blooms could cost the Canadian Lake Erie basin economy $272M annually.
• Algal blooms impact the enjoyment of the lake for millions of people in the region.
• Research shows we can expect an economic return of up to $2 for every dollar we invest to improve the health of the Great Lakes.
• The action plan meets commitments under Ontario’s Great Lakes Protection Act.
• Ontario’s Great Lakes Basin is home to about 40 per cent of Canada’s economic activity.

Ontario is building on the launch of the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan, to protect the health of Lake Erie by funding 19 community projects in the Lake Erie Watershed.

The government is providing over $430,000 to not-for-profit organizations, schools, First Nations and Métis communities and other local groups to restore and protect Lake Erie and the rivers and streams that flow into it.

Since 2012, $1.7 million has been awarded to 80 projects in the Lake Erie Watershed through the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund (GLGCF). These projects:

• Engaged over 4,500 youth and students, and over 5,000 volunteers.
• Restored or enhanced 4.3 square kilometres (over 1,000 acres) of land and wetlands.
• Planted over 100,000 trees and shrubs along riparian areas and headland waters.

2018 GLGCF projects for Lake Erie communities include:

Association for Canadian Educational Resources (ACER), Windsor – $24,025 to reduce nutrient runoff and erosion around the lake by planting 800 native trees and 200 native shrubs, with the help of Essex Region Conservation Authority and local schools, institutions and NGOs.