2026 Pre-Budget Submission to Ministry of Finance
Dear Minister Bethlenfalvy and Minister Mulroney:
I am writing on behalf of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC) to contribute to the
Province’s 2026 Budget consultations.
At the outset, I would like to thank the Province for its investments in Lake Simcoe in
recent years. In particular, the Province’s commitment to the Phosphorus Reduction
Facility represents the largest single provincial environmental investment in our
watershed to date. Along with recent funding for research, monitoring, agricultural
washwater treatment, and natural heritage protection, these investments demonstrate
the importance of Lake Simcoe to Ontario’s environmental, economic, and community
wellbeing.
Orillia Matters Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition Reflects on a Milestone Year
“The report is our clearest call yet for moving beyond fragmented efforts and into coordinated, enforceable, transparent action,” said Executive Director Jonathan Scott. “We now have a practical, scalable set of measures — rooted in science and local realities — that can get Lake Simcoe back on track.”
December 2025 newsletter – Practical solutions for a lake under pressure
A major new report, a critical governance threat, and practical, conservative solutions to protect Lake Simcoe.
Letter Re. Proposed Consolidation of Conservation Authorities
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC), I am writing to formally submit our comments to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) regarding the proposal to consolidate Ontario’s thirty-six conservation authorities into seven mega-regional entities.
Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition calls for coordinated action to restore momentum on watershed protection in new report
The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition (RLSC) today released a major new report, “Protect Our Plan: From Good Goals to Practical Progress”, calling for urgent, coordinated…
Recycling setback feared as Ontario excludes businesses from blue box program
Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition says province’s new policy could reverse years of progress in waste diversion.
Lake Simcoe Advocates Urge Ottawa to Strengthen, Not Cut, Freshwater Funding
The Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition has written to Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin and Finance Minister Francois-Phillipe Champagne urging the federal government to…
Barrie Today Lake Simcoe advocates decry ‘major setback’ to watershed health
Leaked texts allegedly confirm federal government is considering 15% cut to Freshwater Action Fund that helps protect Lake Simcoe.
National Post ‘Who let her in??!’ Minister’s staff accidentally text deliberations about 15 per cent spending cut to reporter
Deciding where to cut carries inescapable ‘political consequences,’ wrote the staff of Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin.