{"id":96709,"date":"2021-04-20T16:36:03","date_gmt":"2021-04-20T20:36:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/huntsville.dopperonline.ca\/?p=96709"},"modified":"2021-04-28T13:35:10","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T17:35:10","slug":"province-confirms-funding-of-4-25-million-to-protect-muskoka-river-watershed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/doppleronline.ca\/huntsville\/province-confirms-funding-of-4-25-million-to-protect-muskoka-river-watershed\/","title":{"rendered":"Province confirms funding of $4.25 million to protect Muskoka River watershed"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford speaks about the importance of the Muskoka watershed in a pre-recorded video played at a funding announcement held remotely today, April 20, 2021. Joining the announcement are (from left) Deputy Bracebridge Mayor Rick Maloney, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Jeff Yurek, Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Norm Miller, District of Muskoka Chair John Klinck, Muskoka Watershed Advisory Group Chair Mardi Witzel and Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry John Yakabuski. <\/em><\/p>\n

The Ontario government is investing more than $4.25 million to further protect the Muskoka River Watershed. The funding will support projects that will help safeguard the region from environmental pressures, such as severe weather and flooding, while also improving the
\nhealth of the watershed, a key commitment in the Made-in-Ontario Environment Plan.<\/p>\n

<\/broadstreet-zone><\/strong><\/div>\n

\u201cThe Muskoka Region is one of Ontario\u2019s crown jewels, and we want to ensure that we continue to
\nprotect its environment which is so important to the local economy and the great people who live
\nthere,\u201d said Premier Doug Ford. \u201cThis investment will help protect this area known around the world
\nfor its spectacular lakes and rivers so it can continue to be a thriving hub for Ontario\u2019s tourism
\nindustry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Ontario government is funding 16 projects led by the District of Muskoka and the Town of
\nBracebridge, as part of the province\u2019s initial $5 million commitment to the Muskoka Watershed
\nConservation and Management Initiative. Approximately $750,000 will support other projects that
\nare in development.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are protecting the Muskoka River Watershed while supporting the local economy and its $400-
\nmillion recreational and tourism industry,\u201d said Jeff Yurek, Minister of the Environment, Conservation
\nand Parks. \u201cBy funding these projects and working with the local community, we are supporting this
\nvital region in Ontario and ensuring its water resources are protected now and for future
\ngenerations.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following careful review and consideration of the Muskoka Watershed Advisory Group\u2019s
\nrecommendations, the government selected projects that support the development and
\nimplementation of the Muskoka Watershed Conservation and Management Initiative.
\nSixteen projects were selected, some of these projects include:<\/p>\n