The federal and municipal governments have combined to spend $40 million to build a storm-water treatment facility at Lake Simcoe.

The facility will reduce runoff from Holland Marsh into Lake Simcoe, and protect the lake's watershed from excessive algae growth caused by excess phosphorous. In turn, the facility will result in better protection for the region's aquatic habitats, ecosystem biodiversity, and protect drinking water sources.

The Government of Canada is investing $16 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, while the Regional Municipality of York is contributing $24 million.

"This project alone will reduce phosphorus runoff into Lake Simcoe by 40 percent, cutting algae growth in the lake's watershed, preserving fish habitat and protecting a major source of drinking water,” said federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine McKenna. “We simply have to invest now in infrastructure that protects Canadians, our environment, and the biodiversity of our ecosystems. The $16 million the Government of Canada is investing in this storm water treatment facility will ensure York Region residents have access to quality drinking water, and will preserve industries that are important to the economy, including agriculture and recreation."

Lake Simcoe is the largest inland lake in southern Ontario outside of the Great Lakes. Its watershed is home to more than 435,000 people.

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority identified Holland Marsh as a critical point load of phosphorus, contributing an average of six tonnes a year. The release of excess phosphorus from agriculture, such as fertilizer, places the Lake Simcoe Watershed at risk of eutrophication that can irreversibly destroy aquatic habitats and ecosystem biodiversity.

"Clean water is vital to the health of our environment and communities,” said King-Vaughan MP Deb Schulte. “The Government of Canada is proud to partner with York Region to help protect Lake Simcoe with this major investment. These investments will create jobs today that help protect our region's environment and drinking water for our future."

The federal DMAF is a $2-billion, 10-year program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and droughts. To date, more than $1.8 billion has been announced through DMAF for 65 large-scale infrastructure projects that will help protect communities across the country from the threats of climate change.

DMAF is part of the federal government's Investing in Canada plan, which is providing more than $180 billion over 12 years for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.