WHEREAS harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie threaten one of Ontario's most important natural and economic resources by negatively impacting the use of water for drinking, fishing, boating, and swimming; and
WHEREAS in 2015 Lake Erie experienced the largest harmful algal bloom in its history; and
WHEREAS toxins from algal blooms can damage the kidneys and liver, and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, paralysis, and potentially death; and
WHEREAS communities that depend on Lake Erie as a source for their drinking water have made significant investments to ensure it is free from dangerous levels of algal toxins and nuisance algae; and
WHEREAS toxins from algal blooms threaten the health of anglers, boaters, and swimmers exposed to contaminated water; and
WHEREAS algal blooms limit the enjoyment of Lake Erie beaches and other recreational activities on and in the water; and
WHEREAS local tourism, commercial and residential property values may be negatively impacted if algal blooms continue to increase in intensity and frequency; and
WHEREAS algal blooms may negatively impact Lake Erie's commercial and recreational fishing industry.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Kingsville request the Ontario and federal governments to be leaders in the development and implementation of action plans that will protect drinking water and effectively address algal blooms and protect and restore the health of Lake Erie;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution by forwarded to the:
Ontario Minister of the Environment and Climate Change; and
Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs; and
Ontario Minister of Natural Resources; and
Federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change; and
Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; and
the local Member of Provincial Parliament and Member of Parliament.