May Mr. Bob's FREE 'Let's Get Connected' Event, this Thursday, May 1st, is your chance to tap into these new sales opportunity.

Right now there are people looking for what you are selling and Mr.Bob wants to help you find them.

Mr. Bob's FREE 'Let's Get Connected' Event, this Thursday, May 1st, is your chance to tap into these new sales opportunity.

Director of the City of Barrie Economic Development Office, Robert Brindley, will provide the audience with information about the department:

• roles
• market trends
• highlight upcoming projects
• discuss tools
• resources available through the Economic Development Department to assist in business growth and development.

In partnership with the City of Barrie and the Province of Ontario, the Greater Barrie Business Enterprise Centre (GBBEC) provides:

• Service and support to the local, small business market
• GBBEC staff will take you on a virtual tour of their business
• support programs and resources that every business can benefit from

Mark your calendar, bring a friend and plan to attend, this powerful event at Barrie's South Shore Community Centre from 4 to 7 PM where you will:

1. Discover how you can tap into more sales
2. Get valuable advice from two great speakers
3. Put your promotional material on a networking table
4. Network and do business with over 100 attendees
5. Meet and connect with the 40 displaying Mr. Bob Members
6. Great door prizes and take advantage of specials

Call Me Today to Connect with Business Owners. Mr. Bob, "Get Plugged-In To More Business"http://www.mrbob.ca/(705) 721-0727 - Phonemrbob@mrbob.ca

End the Clutter & Disorganization that’s taking over your Basement now!

End the Clutter & Disorganization that’s taking over your Basement now!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your basement and it’s out of control and you just don’t know where to start, then the Spring Clean Sweep is for you.

The Spring Clean Sweep is a confidential, proven method of providing you with an organizing overhaul of your basement or other storage space in your home.

This program is an intense ½ day session, that:
Can organize, design and plan how to use your basement to its full potential.
Helps you move through all the phases of organizing
Helps you with decisions on what to keep, toss, sell or donate
Gives you practical techniques that will help you live a more organized life.
Whatever the reasons why your basement has gotten into the state it has, we have the expert solutions to help create a functional space for you.
You don’t need to be embarrassed any longer. With the right approach,
you will be happy with a basement that you can be proud of!

The ½ day intensive Spring Clean Sweep Program normally sells for $250. But, between now and May 24th, you can get it for only $189. That’s a $61 savings when you act now!
Don’t Put Up With a Disorganized BasementAny Longer… Call today!
Call To Lock-In Your $61 Savings
705.431.7774
www.livingorganized.ca

Statement: Minister Day Acknowledges Fraud Prevention Month

Public Safety Canada
Mar 04, 2008 14:43 ET
Statement: Minister Day Acknowledges Fraud Prevention Month
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 4, 2008) - The Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety, today issued the following statement:"I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge March as Fraud Prevention Month in Canada and around the world.Every year, thousands of Canadians fall prey to deceptive telephone, mail and Internet fraud schemes, with reported losses in the millions of dollars. Last week, the RCMP laid charges in British Columbia in relation to a major identity theft operation. The discovery of 2,400 pieces of stolen mail, including 500 credit cards, 100 driver's licenses and hundreds of tax returns is further proof that we must all be vigilant about fraud prevention.Protecting Canadians and their communities from fraud and other forms of economic crime is extremely important to this government. On November 21, 2007, this government introduced new identity theft legislation that would make it an offence to obtain, possess or traffic in other people's identity information in order to commit a crime.This government will continue to work with our partners to fight fraud - a crime that victimizes individuals and businesses, and society as a whole."For more information on protecting yourself against fraud, visit www.phonebusters.com. PhoneBusters, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Centre, is the national call centre for reporting fraud complaints.
For more information, please contactOffice of the Honourable Stockwell DayMinister of Public SafetyMelisa LeclercDirector of Communications613-991-2863

For more information about this subject Statement: Minister Day Acknowledges Fraud Prevention Month

For more information contact Lucille <desbiensl@rogers.com>

The unauthorized use of someone's computer or network could constitute a serious breach of privacy, the office of Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stodda

Colin Perkel THE CANADIAN PRESS
Canada's privacy office is looking into allegations that federal human-rights investigators tapped into an unwitting woman's Internet connection to post messages on white supremacist websites, a spokesman said Friday.
The unauthorized use of someone's computer or network could constitute a serious breach of privacy, the office of Privacy Commissioner Jennifer Stoddart said.
"The possibility that the (commission) was accessing someone else's computer without their permission and in effect using their network to communicate is something we're certainly going to look into," Colin McKay, who is Stoddart's communications director, said from Ottawa.
"Hacking into anyone else's network for your own purposes certainly seems like a breach of judgment at the very least."
The allegations arise out of long-running hate hearings before the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal involving Toronto resident Mark Lemire.
During the hearings, Dean Steacy, an investigator for the human rights commission, admitted using the pseudonym "Jadewarr" to post messages on white supremacist websites.
Following a subpoena, Bell Canada revealed that one "Jadewarr" post in a chat room had originated from an Internet address belonging to Nelly Hechme, a woman who lives in an Ottawa high-rise close to the commission's office.
Hechme, 26, who apparently had an unsecured wireless Internet link, was reportedly dumbfounded by the use of her account and denied any connection to Steacy or the rights agency.
"We have to determine exactly what happened. It seems to be unauthorized access of the network then misrepresentation," McKay said.
"If your neighbour did it to you, you'd be justifiably upset, so to have a government institution undertake that sort of activity would seem poorly considered."
Lemire has launched a criminal complaint, arguing rights investigators breached four sections of the Criminal Code that bar unauthorized use of telecommunications devices and computers.
Computer connections to the Internet can be made through a wireless access point, which allows users to move around freely.
However, a wireless network without a password is also readily accessible to anyone close enough to the access point. A hacker could retrieve confidential data from a personal computer or use the Internet connection to commit crimes traceable only to the unwitting victim.
Just this week, Alberta's privacy commissioner ordered an unprecedented investigation after a man in need of a wireless Internet link was able to easily access an unprotected law office computer in downtown Edmonton containing hundreds of client files.
The cases highlight the need for Canadians to protect themselves from hackers looking to defraud a victim or from improper access by government agencies, McKay said.
While the federal privacy commissioner has not previously dealt with the hacking of a wireless connection, it has ruled that unauthorized access of a computer could be a violation of personal information.
The current case might also point to a need for stronger legislation, McKay said.

For More details contact Tom or Lyse at ppl@look.ca

Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce Newsletter

April 1, 2008 GREATER INNISFIL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (GICC)

This communication is distributed the 1st and 15th of each month.
Send submissions to claudia@innisfilchamber.com for consideration. Submissions must be received by the 8th or 24th of each month. Send your announcements in cut and paste format.

GICC reserves the right to edit and does not guarantee publication.
7896 Yonge Street, Innisfil, Ontario L9S 1L5 Tel: 705.431.4199 Fax: 705.431.6628
Email: info@innisfilchamber.com
Web: www.innisfilchamber.com

CHAMBER NEWS:
The Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome the following new members who have joined the GICC since January 1, 2008. Please check our web-site directory for a complete list of members.

Abacus (bookkeeping, payroll and income tax services – small to medium sized business) EFX Wizard www.efxwizard.com Innisfil Family Chiropractic and Acupuncture Centre Judith Moses Consulting www.judithmoses.ca Manic Media www.manicmedia.ca Julia Munro, MPP www.juliamunrompp.com Ribbon Incentives www.mmontgomery.ordermygift.com Shell Select, 400/Innisfil Beach Road Nerds on Site www.nerdsonsite.com
For more information on becoming a member, please contact our office between the hours of 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, or visit our website.

2008 AWARDS GALA Each year, the GICC celebrates those businesses that make a difference – that stand out in the crowd. At our Annual Awards Gala, held February 22, 2008, the following businesses were chosen from those nominated. Business of the Year: LEFROY HARBOUR RESORTS Nominees: Ask Sheila II, Pet Country Estates, Service Plus, Simcoe Child Care
Entrepreneur of the Year: LIVING ORGANIZED
Nominees: Jennifer Hay/Lice Squad Inc., Podiumpros
New Business of the Year: MILLER McGRATH & ASSOCIATES
Nominees: Carousel Imports, Joe Johnson Equipment, Tupling Insurance
Manufacturing/Industrial Business Award: PORAVER NORTH AMERICA
Nominees: Joe Johnson Equipment, Tarpin Lumber
Service Business Award: CELLAR WINES
Nominees: Alcona Optical, Davidson’s Restaurant, Lice Squad Inc., Matt’s Rentals, OLG Slots at Georgian Downs
Marketing and Promotions Award: PRATT HOMES
Nominees: Innisfil Journal, Lice Squad Inc., Life & Times, Pet Country Estates
Community Award: GORD WAUCHOPE
Nominees: Matt’s Rental, Pet Country Estates

Grand & Toy is proud to provide our Chamber of Commerce members an exclusive offer. Save up to 80% on over 7500 quality office products – in-stock and ready to ship. Sign-up for your business account and get great selection and service, free next-day delivery, dedicated account management, and secure, fast and easy ordering at www.grandandtoy.com. For more information or to set up an account, contact Kim Snider at 1.800.461.6176 x232 or sniderk@grandtoy.com

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has identified some key messages pertaining to the recent federal budget. Check out their comments, and read more information on their recent activities and other business news at www.occ.on.ca

UPCOMING GICC EVENTS:

CLAUDE HAGGERTY – GRAND SCALE ILLUSIONIST
The Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce and Nantyr Shores Secondary School presents one of North America’s largest touring illusionist shows.
Friday April 11, 2008
Nantyr Shores Secondary School
Showtime: 7:00 pm – doors open at 6:00 pm
Admission $15.00 or $12.00 with a non-perishable food item
for the local food bank
Advance tickets available at the GICC office
Please see the attachment with this email.
GICC bi-weekly newsletter 3
UPCOMING GICC EVENTS … continued
BUSINESS TIPS SPEAKER SERIES
The Greater Innisfil Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 2008 "Business Tips
Speaker Series". Designed to help our business members improve and grow their businesses with hands-on tips and practical information, the speaker series will take place over breakfast, on the second Wednesday of each month, except in July and August. The cost is $10 per person and it includes full hot breakfast, buffet style, and a guest speaker.
To reserve your spot, please contact Claudia Carmona at (705) 431-4199. A receipt under your name can be picked up the day of the breakfast. Due to the nature of booking a catered venue, we respectfully ask you to please honour your booking, as the Chamber still has to pay the expenses for any "no-shows". If you like to book in advance, please let us know and we will invoice you for the whole series for a cost of $70.
Due to the energetic feedback and topics being suggested by the GICC membership, your Breakfast Speaker Series committee has been able to confirm these speakers for upcoming breakfast dates:
Wednesday, April 9 (see full description below)
"Collecting Your Receivables"
Brad Rice, Central Credit Control Ltd.
Wednesday, May 14
"Workplace Safety Tips and Guidelines"
Randy Bignard, WSIB Industrial Safety Trainers "The Safety Bus"
Future topics include:
Identity Theft Prevention and Awareness
Legal Tips for Your Business: Law Basics and Liens
What You Need to Know about MTO
Check the GICC Website for future locations. Hope to see you there.
GICC bi-weekly newsletter 4
UPCOMING GICC EVENTS … continued
April Business Tips Speaker Series
Location: Georgian Downs - OLG Wednesday April 9, 2008 Time: 7:15 am - 9:00 am Cost: $10.00 Topic: Collecting Your Receivables
Speaker: Brad Rice, Central Credit Control
“Debt Collection- A Delicate Art”
Bradley Rice, Central Credit Control Ltd.
• Granting credit carries an unavoidable element of risk. You will have some losses regardless of how closely you screen applicants.
• There are some fundamental procedures that can help in your collection efforts. While no collection procedures will completely cover all your needs, there are some general ideas that can assist you, regardless of the goods or services you provide.
• You don't have to accept excessive losses as an inherent part of doing business and extending credit. The fundamentals of establishing and maintaining effective control over bad debt are comparatively simple, and it is possible to reduce these losses.
As the owner of a business, focusing on the right approach to collecting receivables can help you figure out: “HOW CAN I GET MY CUSTOMERS TO PAY ME?”
Business is good, but getting timely payments for completed work is even better:
• Warning signals that your past due account is in trouble
• Setting up effective collection procedures
• What to do when all of your efforts have failed
This seminar will provide you effective tips and tools that
will help you to improve you effectiveness at collections.
FUTURE GICC EVENTS:
GICC Golf Tournament
Date and location to be announced
GICC Annual General Meeting
December 2008
GICC bi-weekly newsletter 5
AFFILIATED ASSOCIATION NEWS:
ALCONA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION (ABA) NEWS www.aba-innisfil.com
Annual Gigantic Garage Sale will be held in May at the Crossroads Plaza. Watch for posters and email coming soon.
Watch for news on … ABA’s part in “Pitch-In Day” in Innisfil and an Innisfil Community talent contest – semi finals and finals taking place during Summerfest.
ABA is currently looking for involvement with Street Scape for Innisfil Beach Road. A committee has been formed to look at possibly supplying benches or flowers along Innisfil Beach Road.
COOKSTOWN CHAMBER NEWS www.cookstown.ca
The Cookstown Chamber of Commerce has announced their 25th Annual Wing Ding event will take place on June 7th and 8th, 2008. They are looking for craft, antique and garage sale vendors. Large kids area. Dunk tank victims required for non-profit organization fundraising. You supply the “dunkee”, half of the proceeds go back to your charity. Please contact Deirdre Fitzgerald at 705.458.4492 or bernie.deirdre@rogers.com for information. The Cookstown Chair of the event is Laurie Munroe at 705.458.9212 or glen.munroe@sympatico.ca
TOWN OF INNISFIL NEWS:
WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR WATER
The Ontario Drinking Water Stewardship Program is underway and aims to help provide a multi-barrier approach to drinking water protection. Since 90 percent of land in Southern Ontario is privately owned, and activities on lands adjacent to town wells can impact on everyone’s drinking water, individual citizens and businesses are going to be a big part of the solution. Together we can help to protect Ontario’s drinking water. Starting in January 2008, a communications campaign began, targeted at individuals and businesses living within 100 meters of a municipal wellhead and 200 meters of a municipal surface water intake. The goal of the outreach is to let landowners know about their location on sensitive land and how their actions can impact the quality of drinking water. Those within critical protection zones are eligible for free site visits. Eligible landowners can access grants for Well Decommissioning and Upgrading, Pollution Prevention Reviews, Septic Systems Inspections and Upgrades, or Runoff and Erosion Protection. For more information contact Nottawasaga Valley Source Protection Authority (SPA), Shannon Stephens at 705.424.1479 or sstephens@nvca.on.ca
GICC bi-weekly newsletter 6
MEMBER COMMUNICATIONS:
MR. BOB’S NETWORK
Helping small businesses get more customers is behind everything Bob Cassels (aka Mr. Bob) does. That's why he's created www.mrbob.ca., an information hub that connects over 3,500 small businesses in the Barrie and Simcoe region. Check out Mr. Bob’s website for more information.
GICC CONTRACT INFORMATION:
Office Administrator – Claudia Carmona
705.431.4199
claudia@innisfilchamber.com
BOARD EXECUTIVE:
President – Heather MacDonald
705.436.2044 x224
hmacdonald@peoplescu.ca
Vice-President – Heather Vandinten
705.431.9606
hvandinten@aol.com
Secretary – Dave Taylor
705.739.0450
dave.taylor@bdc.ca
Treasurer – Gail Roubos
705.436-1910 x241
groubos@peoplescu.ca
THE GREATER INNISFIL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (2001)
“One Voice for a Prosperous Innisfil”
Disclaimer
All information provided is believed to be accurate and reliable. We will make changes, updates and deletions as required and make every effort to ensure the accuracy and quality of the information provided. However, the GICC assumes no responsibility for any errors and are not liable for any damages of any kind resulting from the use of, or reliance on, the information contained herein. You may use material for your personal, non-commercial use only, provided you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices.
Communications made through this electronic mail and message system shall in no way be deemed to constitute legal notice to the GICC or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives, with respect to any existing or potential claim or cause of action against the GICC or any of its agencies, officers, employees, agents, or representatives, where notice to the GICC is required by any federal, provincial or local laws, rules, or regulations.
The content of and/or views expressed on "Off Site" web pages and links are strictly those of the external agency, organization or business. The GICC bears no responsibility for the information, graphics or links. The materials on any third-party sites are provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind either express or implied. The GICC reserves the right to accept or deny any requests for off site links.
Links from or to web sites outside the GICC site are meant for convenience only. Linking to any other site is at your sole risk and the GICC will not be responsible or liable for any damages in connection with linking. Links to downloadable software sites are for convenience only and the GICC is not responsible or liable for any difficulties or consequences associated with downloading of software. Use of any downloaded software is governed by the terms of the license agreement, if any, which accompanies or is provided with the software.
If you have any questions regarding this disclaimer, please contact the GICC.

Alliston Chamer of Commerce April 3, 2008 News

Our recent Annual General Meeting was a HUGE success!

Many thanks to Joyce Walker (Mortgage Intelligence),

Dianah Warrington (County of Simcoe), Gail Burrows (Silver

Brooke Golf Club), the Cork and Vine and Richard Walker

Catering for a wonderful evening. ADCC President Michael

Keith (MSK Associates) gave an update on the current status

of the Chamber as well as the goals for 2008 and beyond.

ADCC Treasurer Rose Marie Bowen (Carline Automotive

Services) presented the financial report and budget. These

documents are available for viewing at the Chamber office

(519 Victoria St E Alliston).

The 40th Anniversary of the New Tecumseth Home, Health & Leisure Show is NEXT weekend!

April 11-13 - Booths are almost sold out!! If you want to be a part of this year’s biggest and best

marketing opportunity, call Joan at 705.458.1083 before it’s too late! With our new venue (The New

Tecumseth Recreation Centre on Industrial Pkwy), free admission for the public, a huge 40th

Anniversary grand prize to be won, special guest speakers and stuff for the kids, it’ll be a spectacular

show! Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/2008_HHLS_Poster_downsampled.pdf for details.

We need YOU! Volunteers are requested to help out at the Home Show. Please call Joan at

705.458.1083 so sign up and lend a hand.

Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart. ~Elizabeth Andrew

Business Aviation Service Solutions (BASS) market their aircraft charter business under the brand

name "The Aircraft Charter Guys". it is a part of the service offered by BASS. The rates quoted in the

flyer, Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/bass.pdf , are "preferred" one that they offer to their best clients. As members of the ADCC,

they are happy to extend these preferred rates to their fellow members.

Breakfast with the Mayors and celebrate the Arts! Join the South Simcoe Arts Council and the Gibson

Centre for Community Arts and Culture at the Centre on Thursday May15, 2008 at 7 a.m., as we

honour individuals, organizations and businesses for their contributions to the Arts in the South

Simcoe region. Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/BreakfastForTheArts.pdf for details. As well Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/awards.pdf for the Arts Award Nomination Form.

Volunteer South Simcoe is putting together a poster campaign for National Volunteer Week, which

will include a listing of all of the volunteer organizations in South Simcoe and how many volunteers

contribute to the operation of each organization. If you would like to be included in the poster

campaign, please send them an approximate number of volunteers that work with you, and the full

name of your organization as you would like it on the poster. Information should be sent to:

Isabelle Lewis, Volunteer Centre Coordinator, Volunteer South Simcoe, CONTACT South Simcoe

Community Information Centre, 46 Wellington Street West, Alliston ON L9R 2B8 (705) 435-4900

Twilite Inc. Window Film Systems is offering a 20% discount to fellow ADCC members on the Protekt

Window Film in response to the recent B&E incident at a member's business. Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/ProtectEnergystar.pdf for more

information and contact number.

All members are reminded of the new service being offered called "Bizpal". BizPaL is an online service

that allows you, the entrepreneur or business owner, a central place to find all the permit and licence

information needed to start or grow your business. Follow the simple question and answer wizard to

answer questions about what activities you would like to do to start your business. You will generate

a complete list of needed permits and licences from the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of

government in one place. Easy and Convenient One stop access to permit and licence information -

accessible anytime. Go to the following web-site and follow the link on the left hand side of the

page: www.town.newtecumseth.on.ca

One of our newest members, Laura Koekkoek, of Mary Kay Cosmetics is offering ADCC members a

special discount for Spring. Please click here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/Mary%20Kay%20Flyer.pdf for all details and contact information.

Our "Good Morning Alliston" breakfast meetings are proving to be a popular and informative

networking event. The date for the April breakfast has been changed to Wednesday 16 April 08,

taking place at 7:00 a.m. at Crabby Joe's, Alliston. The cost is $10.00 per person, payable at the event,

preferably by cash or cheque. Our speaker for this event has been changed. We are now having

Mr. Harry Carroll of Leadership Advantage Corp., who will be speaking on Effective Goal Setting.

Please Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/Speaking%20doc%20.pdf for more details. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

For those members interested in the World economic scene, don't forget to visit the International

Chamber of Commerce web-site at www.iccwbo.org for up to date information and their most recent

newsletter.

Mayor Mike MacEachern invites you to the Mayor's Business Breakfast! Andrew Redden, Manager of

Economic Development for Hastings County will join the Mayor to discuss downtown revitalization.

Click here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/Mayor's%20Business%20Breakfast%20-%20April%2017%2008.pdf to view the flyer. If you need further information or would like to purchase tickets, please

contact Katie Downey at (705) 435-3900 Ext. 230 or kdowney@town.newtecumseth.on.ca .

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

All seniors and persons with disabilities and/or their caregivers are invited to attend the

"Accessibility Day" at the Simcoe County Museum on 07 May 08 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Please Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/Accessibility%20Day%20letter%20and%20registration.pdf for complete details.

We are now starting to gear up for the Girls on The Run Race which will take place on June 21st

this year! We have close to 900 girls in the program from 17 different schools so it will be a terrific

event!! Volunteers are needed--please call Andy at 705.434.1554 or contact her by email:

andylea@rogers.com .

For anyone interested in information about festivals and events occurring in Ontario this year, visit

www.festivalsandeventsontario.ca for complete details and a schedule of events. The site features

an interactive search feature that allows you to search by date, type of event, etc. You can also join

the organization and have your own event included in the listings.

All parents and caregivers in Simcoe County are invited to attend an entertaining and educational

session with Dr. Jean Clinton, taking place at the Army, Navy and Air Force Club in Barrie on

Thursday 24 Apr 08: to learn more about the importance of quality early learning and child care

experiences for children. Please Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/Ontario%20Early%20Years%20Event%2024%20Apr%2008.pdf for all details. There is no cost to

attend this event. Everyone who pre-registers will receive a free $10.00 gas card to assist with their

transportation costs

The Terry Fox Foundation is embarking on its second year promoting the Terry Fox Works

fundraising initiative. Please Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/TFW_Brochure_LR.pdf for full details about how people can make a difference

through active participation in workplace and community fundraising activites.

The Canadian Blood Services agency will holding two blood donor clinics in our area during the

month of April. Please Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/2008%20April%20Tottenham%20and%20Alliston.pdf for further details regarding location and time, and for contact

information in order to book an appointment. April is National Cancer Month and patients

undergoing cancer treatments are one of the largest blood recipient groups in Canada. Help

patients across Canada and in your own community by donating blood at one of the upcoming

clinics.

The South Simcoe and Area Arts Council publishes a newsletter "Arts ETalk". Please Click Here http://www.jldigitaldesign.ca/adcc/Apr4/SSAC.pdf for

the latest news and a schedule of upcoming events.

First Step in Lake Simcoe Protection

March 28, 2008 For Immediate Release


First Step in Lake Simcoe Protection
Discussion Paper and New Pollution Cap Unveiled


Toronto – Campaign Lake Simcoe welcomed yesterday’s release of Protecting Lake Simcoe: Creating Ontario’s Strategy for Action. The announcement included the introduction of a Scientific Advisory Committee and a new cap on phosphorus discharges into the Lake from sewage treatment plants at 7.3 tonnes per year.

“Simcoe County is the Wild West of Ontario urban sprawl and the new Lake Simcoe Protection Act must bring it under control if Lake Simcoe is to survive,” said Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director, Environmental Defence. “The province has correctly identified land use changes, meaning urban sprawl, as a primary cause of water quality decline. Now the government needs to do something about it.”

“We look forward to the recognition that maintaining the natural cover of woodlands and wetlands in the watershed is one of the main defences against pollutants entering Lake Simcoe and is also the key to conserving the watershed’s diversity of animal and plant life, including the 30 species at risk found there,” said Caroline Schultz, Executive Director of Ontario Nature.

“Lake Simcoe is in crisis because it doesn't have a law to protect it as the Niagara Escarpment, the Oak Ridges Moraine and Greenbelt do. If we wish to stop the leveling of the forests that grace Lake Simcoe's shoreline, to stop the mindless destruction of wetlands, to stop the degradation of the lake itself, we too need an Act,” said Robert Eisenberg, Founding Chair of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition.

"It took more than 30 years for human activity to reduce this great lake to its current ailing state. An ecological disaster can't be cured overnight, but this is another great step forward, particularly because it envisions residents of the watershed and government working hand in hand," said Annabel Slaight, Co-founder of the Ladies of the Lake.

Environment Minister John Gerretsen expressed hope that the Act could receive second reading as early as June, 2008. Campaign Simcoe believes this timeline only makes sense.

The citizen movement to create the Act was started in response to deteriorating lake quality and the incredible land rush created by developers leaping over the Greenbelt into Simcoe County. Campaign Lake Simcoe will release its response to the Paper in the next few weeks. This response will be based on the “Critical Elements of the Lake Simcoe Protection Act” a citizens’ agenda for protecting and restoring Lake Simcoe that has now been endorsed by 38 groups from around the lake. It says an effective Lake Simcoe Protection Act must:
1. Restore water quality and quantity to levels compatible with cold water fish reproduction and control of algae and weeds;
2. Create a natural heritage and agricultural system to protect green space and restrict new development to existing and approved settlement areas;
3. Consult with First Nations to identify and protect First Nations heritage sites;
4. Enshrine a governance structure as recommended by the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy (LSEMS) Working Group and, in large part, by the LSEMS Steering Committee;
5. Ensure that large-scale resort developments such as Big Bay Point are consistent with the Lake Simcoe Protection Act;
6. Create recreational access that helps people treasure the lake and does not harm it;
7. Increase commitment to the restoration and rehabilitation of the Lake.
Campaign Lake Simcoe is a partnership of Environmental Defence, Ontario Nature, and the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition.

For more information, or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Jennifer Foulds, Environmental Defence, (416) 323-9521 ext. 232; (647) 280 -9521 (cell)
Robert Eisenberg, Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition, (416) 484-1250 x 220
Caroline Schultz, Ontario Nature, (416) 416-444-8419