https://ero.ontario.ca…

https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-7107
Re:  Application to take water
Re:  Application to discharge directly into creek

I am contacting you because I am concerned about the health of a small tributary that goes through the Pines of Georgina Golf course and makes its way to the mouth of the Pefferlaw River. 

I’ve seen this creek strangled over the last years and it’s getting worse. 
I’ve been concerned about the habitat loss and that it can’t provide the food and shelter various species need in order to survive. 

People are speaking about climate change. I realize that some species can’t survive and adapt to changes that our rising temperatures will cause along with weather extremes. 

The Pines of Georgina is discharging water directly into this creek. I believe this water poses serious risks to our ecosystem and the species that inhabit them. 
I don’t know what types of chemicals and fertilizers are in this discharged water. This water comes from their ponds and ditches. 

There has been no testing or formal documentation as to what’s actually discharged into the creek, as far as I know. As a matter of fact when I spoke with Matt McNeice (MOE) he said that perhaps the pines might have to have testing done of the water they are dewatering in the future and that the Pines would be in charge of that by themselves. Wouldn’t that be like the fox being in charge of the hen house?
I’m concerned. When I speak to the MOE they discount my concerns. Why? I have journals documenting the state of this creek since the 90s.

I’ve been speaking to both MOE and Lake Simcoe Conservation for years.  My concerns seem to fall on deaf ears. 

I have contacted the Town of Georgina and apparently this is not part of their jurisdiction. 

The MOE has an application from the Pines of Georgina to take water from this small tributary in order to irrigate their course. 

I have also been told, after following up with my calls about the discharge going directly into the creek that their application will also include the Pines being able to discharge water into the creek. Is this water polluted? I have no idea. It appears that this discharge water would have phosphates, nitrates etc in it. They have been dewatering into this tiny creek for many years. Even in 2024, I have seen the golf course dewatering into this tiny creek. I have photos and videos. I was under the impression that they would not be able to dewater until this situation has been decided upon.

 I have seen this creek full of fish and I have no idea what’s in there now … there’s an incredible amount of weeds that’s thriving. 
I no longer hear the bullfrogs or even see other frogs.  As for the turtles there are very few I’ve seen. I have seen very few turtle nests. The area around this tiny creek used to be full of frogs and turtles including their nests. I should know. I see this creek every single day. I have been here since 1980. The Pines of Georgina is my neighbour and this tiny creek that is being destroyed is also on my property. I’m heartbroken to see the damage that’s being caused. I look at this creek and it’s a thick green carpet full of weeds.