Local councillors urge York Region to move forward with phosphorous recycling plant

Georgina's Dave Neeson and Bradford's Jonathan Scott support the facility proposed for the Holland River between Bradford and King that will reduce runoff into Lake Simcoe

Newmarkettoday.ca
Sept. 3, 2021

Jonathan Scott (Bradford Councillor -- Ward 2) and Dave Neeson (Georgina Councillor -- Ward 3) are sponsoring motions to move forward the proposed Holland Marsh Phosphorous Recycling Facility.

The proposed facility will reduce phosphorous runoff from the Holland Marsh agricultural area into the Holland River and Lake Simcoe by up to 85 per cent, removing an estimated 2.5 tonnes per year.

The facility is proposed by York Region to be built on the Holland River between Bradford and King. The federal government is contributing $16 million toward the estimated $40-million cost. However, the project is currently on hold because York Region was planning to include it as part of its overall Upper York Sewage Solution scheme, which the province has paused indefinitely.

“Our motion calls on York Region to move this much needed pollution-reduction project forward independently so we can take meaningful action at last to reduce phosphorous in the Holland River and Lake Simcoe, which will protect fish habitats and the health of our watershed,” said Councillor Scott. “We are also hopeful that the provincial government will come to the table to help cover the costs of this vital facility, to make real the goals of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.”

“This facility will be a game changer for the entire Lake Simcoe watershed and we need it to proceed,” said Councillor Neeson. “A wide variety of Lake Simcoe watershed residents and stakeholder groups are united in supporting our motion and we hope the region and the province are listening.”

“I want to applaud Councillor Jonathan Scott and Councillor Dave Neeson for bringing forward a motion calling on all levels of government to work collaboratively to design, fund and build the much needed Holland Marsh Phosphorous Recycling Facility. Reducing phosphorous levels in the Holland River and Lake Simcoe is a vital project to protecting this important watershed. I’m proud to see my friend Jonathan Scott leading the way in his region to promote sustainability and environmental protection measures like this one!” - Glen Murray, former Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change (27 Aug 21)

“We need this Holland Marsh pollution reduction project to proceed. In September Councillor Jonathan Scott of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Councillor Dave Neeson of Georgina will be asking their municipalities to request that the Region proceed with the Holland Marsh pollution reduction project. They will also be asking the Government of Ontario to provide financial support for this project [to] make sure that the Holland Marsh pollution reduction project proceeds ASAP.” - Jack Gibbons, chair, Lake Simcoe Watch (24 Aug 21).