Over 60 municipal leaders from 13 upper and lower-tier municipalities in and around the Muskoka watershed gathered on Thursday, November 28, at an Integrated Watershed Management workshop at the Active Living Centre in Huntsville.
The event was hosted jointly by the Town of Huntsville and the Township of Lake of Bays. Attendees included District Chair Jeff Lehman, mayors, council members, CAOs, senior municipal staff members from the District of Muskoka and various municipalities throughout the Muskoka watershed area, and First Nations representatives.
“We are all stewards of the environment, and that means working alongside our neighbours to protect the watershed. The Town of Huntsville was honoured to be able to host this event jointly with the Township of Lake of Bays to bring together municipal leaders for meaningful discussion on this very important topic,” said Huntsville’s Mayor Nancy Alcock. “The Town of Huntsville’s Strategic Plan includes as one of our three pillars ‘Protected Natural Environment.’ This event was a practical step in working alongside our partners to protect our natural heritage and take action on climate change.”
“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. Despite their immensity, our watersheds are vulnerable and at risk. The most impactful action we can take is to unite with a shared purpose. This event was another step towards a strong and meaningful commitment, with communities, agencies and all levels of government coming together to prioritize our watersheds and safeguard Muskoka’s lifeblood for future generations,” said Lake of Bays’ Mayor Terry Glover.
This event was the second of its kind held in the area. The purpose of this collaborative and action-oriented event was to explore interest in ongoing collaboration amongst the upper and lower-tier municipalities, the Muskoka Watershed Council, First Nation communities, and other levels of government on Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) planning.
The November 28 Integrated Watershed Management Workshop brought together over 60 municipal leaders from in and around the Muskoka watershed; attendees included the District Chair, mayors, councillors, CAOs, and senior municipal staff members, as well as First Nations representatives.
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I agree with Brooke. Clean , fresh water is next to clean oxygen in importance in my mind . I find it interesting that it was the Muskoka Integrated Watershed Management workshop when most if not all of the water that flows into Muskoka originates north and east of Muskoka. The County of Haliburton and the Districts of Nipissing and Parrysound need to be a part of any plan to keep our water clean and safe.
It would be good to know what actions these fine people have committed to accomplish together till they meet again. Hope that they continue to financially support and heed the valuable work of the Watershed Council and its Friends. Hope also that contributions of the First Nations are supported and respected as they are the first stewards of Muskoka.
Kudos to all the people and groups that have come together for the Muskoka Integrated Watershed Management workshop. Muskoka’s unique fresh water lakes and rivers should be prioritized to protect the watershed from further environmental degradation and for future generations.
Brooke Chapple