Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative

Lake Simcoe is the largest inland lake in southern Ontario and a significant source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Canadians. The region is one of the fastest growing in Canada with a thriving recreation and tourism industry. The watershed also contains significant natural, urban and agricultural systems including parts of the Oak Ridges Moraine.

Excessive phosphorus runoff from urban and agricultural sources has led to an increase in nuisance algal blooms in Lake Simcoe and is the most significant cause of degraded water quality in the lake. These issues are further exacerbated by invasive species and the effects of climate change.

Through the Freshwater Action Plan, we are committed to collaborating with partners to support the reduction in nutrient pollution and resulting nuisance and harmful algal blooms to protect the health of Lake Simcoe for future generations.