Over 60 municipal leaders from 13 municipalities, as well as First Nations representatives from around the Muskoka watershed, met to discuss the future of the Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) plan.
The gathering was held on Nov. 28 at the Active Living Centre in Huntsville.
Nancy Alcock, Mayor of Huntsville, says the Town of Huntsville was honoured to be able to host the event jointly with the Township of Lake of Bays to bring together municipal leaders for a “meaningful discussion on the important topic.”
“We are all stewards of the environment, and that means working alongside our neighbours to protect the watershed,” says Alcock. “This event was a practical step in working alongside our partners to protect our natural heritage and take action on climate change.”
Trevor Donald, Project Coordinator with the town, says it is the second meeting being held regarding the watershed with the first one held in Feb.
“We had the province attend as well because they’re the largest asset owner and operator of infrastructure within the Muskoka watershed,” says Donald. “So, there’s it’s not just the six municipalities within the district. It’s much more than that.”
Donald says the watershed is not just wetlands, lakes and shorelines. It includes all the things that are connected with them, including all the wildlife biodiversity.
“Municipalities can operate their community at the municipal scale. But when we’re talking about working with other municipalities across the watershed, that scale becomes tremendously larger,” says Donald.
Terry Glover, mayor of Lake of Bays, says the event marked a significant step towards a collaborative effort to protect Muskoka’s waterways for generations to come.
“We are fortunate to stand in one of the most freshwater-rich places on Earth. Something that draws visitors from all over and shapes the culture and way of life for those of us who call it home,” says Glover.
