Scientists know that phosphorus levels in Lake Simcoe have been rising for a century and a half. Beginning in the mid-1950s, they noted that the levels were rapidly accelerating. By the early ’70s, alarm bells were ringing about the decline of cold-water fisheries. Dying fish indicate that serious trouble is ahead. Here’s what has been happening since:

1979
The Ontario Ministry of the Environment released a report identifying excess phosphorus as the prime problem for Lake Simcoe, and formed the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy (LSEMS) to develop a remedial strategy.

1981
Studies began to identify and measure the sources of phosphorus, and to recommend remedial measures.

1985
A watershed remedial plan was completed.

1986
Along with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, three ministries (Environment, Natural Resources, and Food and Agriculture) submitted a plan to the provincial cabinet for funding of the plan.

1990
The Ontario government announced a plan with a simple goal—to restore the cold-water fishery by reducing phosphorus intakes to the lake. But the necessary dedicated funding was never announced.

2004
Bleak times for Lake Simcoe. The province announced funding to study how much development the lake can handle, and prioritized sound water-management practices generally. However, the Conservation Authority said $10 million is needed in each of the next 10 years to get the lake healthy again using its best management practices. This will not happen unless we all start paying serious attention to the situation.

2005
The Ladies of the Lake began with the creation of a “cheeky but not cheesy” 2006 photographic Calendar. An unprecedented triumph, the calendar raised awareness about the Lake’s challenges and a quarter of a million dollars.

2006
The Naked Truth: Behind the Science of Lake Simcoe. This research document commissioned by the Ladies of the Lake and produced by the Windfall  Ecology Centre in Spring 2006 articulated for the first time in plain language the challenges facing Lake Simcoe and possible solutions. What’s wrong?  Population growth and climate change as the leading risk factors for the sustainability of Lake Simcoe

Naked Truth Citizens’ Action Plan to Save Lake Simcoe
In Summer 2006, the Ladies of the Lake brought together 300 people for action planning events in Barrie, Innisfil, Holland River, and Georgina.  A Citizen’s Action Plan was assembled by the Ladies of the Lake and Windfall Ecology Centre. Citizens agreed overwhelmingly “we must manage the environment as part of daily life. The Lake must be no longer be an isolated “science- fix” but plans to save it must be  intertwined with economic growth strategies, youth opportunities, innovative grassroots action and more.”

2007
Whales in Lake Simcoe
One of the Action Plan’s priorities is “focus on the Next Generation.”  As a result, The Ladies of the Lake commissioned a research document to find out what children who live in the watershed are learning about the environment in general and their Lake in particular. The results were not encouraging. Opportunities for action are now identified. 

LSEMS Working Group
Ladies of the Lake is a founding member of a public sector /private sector working group to review the performance of the government’s Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy. Recommendations have been made for a more effective governance structure for Lake Simcoe. LOL has been championing greater citizen participation as essential to successful rehabilitation, protection and enhancement of Lake Simcoe.

Lake-wide Website
One of the barriers to successful collaboration to help Lake Simcoe have been difficulties in lake-wide communication. Ladies of the Lake is now working with Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition and the Windfall Ecology Centre to create an innovative, interactive  “must go to website” for all watershed residents.