WHEREAS the Holland Marsh Polder Phosphorus Recycling Facility is a proposed $40-million capital project by York Region; and
WHEREAS the Facility will reduce phosphorous runoff into the Holland River and Lake Simcoe by up to 40% and thereby protect the Lake’s watershed from algae growth, resulting in better protection for the region’s aquatic habitats, increased ecosystem biodiversity and protection of drinking water sources; and
WHEREAS the federal government has announced funding of up to $16 million for the Facility and York Region funding of up to $25 million as part of their broader Upper York Sewage Solutions Project; and
WHEREAS further to the June announcement and introduction of the York Region Wastewater Act by the Ontario Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, which, if passed, would put on hold the Environmental Assessment application for the Upper York Sewage Solutions Project.
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED THAT the Township of Brock, respectfully request that York Region, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario work collaboratively to move the Holland Marsh Polder Phosphorous Recycling Facility forward notwithstanding the "paused" status of the broader Upper York Sewage Solutions Project, including proceeding to an Environmental Assessment for the Facility commencing in 2021 and;
THAT the Province of Ontario support the funding of the Holland Marsh Polder Phosphorous Recycling Facility's construction and;
THAT Council direct staff to forward a copy of this resolution to the federal Minister of Infrastructure and Communities; the provincial Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks; Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority including all MPP’s, MPs and municipalities within the Lake Simcoe Watershed.