Georgina Island Fixed Link Project

Attachment Request to IAAC and Province of Ontario for a full Environmental / Impact Assessment

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association
• Reference Number: 107
• Submitted: 2025-12-30 - 12:33 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• The Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association is requesting a full and joint Impact/Environmental Assessment of the 2.6 km Fixed Link. The Georgina Island First Nations has recently filed its Detailed Project Plan (DPD) and we disagree with a number of representations made and note a number of omissions in the DPD. We believe that the “Co-operation Agreement between Ontario and Canada on Environmental and Impact Assessment (https://www.canada.ca/en/impact-assessment-agency/corporate/acts-regulations/legislation-regulations/canada-on-cooperation-agreement.html)” signed  on  December 15 reaffirms the need for Ontario to request a full Environmental Assessment of this project.
• Attachment Included
• 1 December 30, 2025 Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), The Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association (LSSSRA) formal submission to the to Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to fulfill it’s obligation to require a Full Environmental Assessment for the Georgina Island Fixed Link proposal to build a 2.6 km series of Bridges and Causeways in Lake Simcoe and an 800 m Roadway in the Greenbelt between Black River Road and to the shoreline. We are writing to object to the decision in the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) letter dated June 9, 2025 regarding the Georgina Island Fixed Link (GIFL), that the Ministry “will not be seeking designation of the project which would require it to proceed through the comprehensive environmental assessment process.” Since that time, on December 11, 2025, the “Co-operation Agreement between Ontario and Canada on Environmental and Impact ...

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Attachment Request to IAAC for a full Environmental Assessment

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association
• Reference Number: 106
• Submitted: 2025-12-30 - 12:27 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• The Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association is requesting a full and joint Impact/Environmental Assessment of the 2.6 km Fixed Link. The Georgina Island First Nations has recently filed its Detailed Project Plan and we disagree with a number of representations made and note a number of omissions in the DPD.
• Attachment Included
• 1 December 30, 2025 IAAC Project Manager File 83539 The Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association formal submission post DPD, filing to the Impact Agency of Canada in accordance with Section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act to require an Impact Assessment for the Georgina Island Fixed Link (GIFL) proposal to build a 2.6 km Bridge and Causeway in Lake Simcoe and an 800 m Roadway on federal lands in the Greenbelt between Black River Road and the shoreline. (CIAR # 83539) The purpose of this Letter is to formally update our request for IAAC to conduct a full, complete and comprehensive Impact assessment of the Georgina Island Fixed Link. We are the Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association (“LSSSRA”) “composed of about a thousand members who are very concerned about the updated design of the 2.6 km Fixed Link, a series of a roadway, bridges and causeways in the waters of Lake Simcoe. On December 15, 2025, the Detailed Project Plan (DPD) was submitted to ...

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Attachment Strongly Object to any form of bridge or causeway

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Donald Ross
• Reference Number: 104
• Submitted: 2025-12-16 - 1:37 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• It is with the deepest respect for all Indigenous Canadians that I must submit my complete opposition to the construction of ANY form of bridge or causeway on Lake Simcoe to Georgina Island.  Notwithstanding the environmental impact of such a structure over time, the mere potential COSTS of such an undertaking are beyond justifiable.  As the Federal Government works its way out of our enormous National Debt while planning to bring our defence spending to 5% of GDP in the next 10 years. Where will the money come from? The cost to build this will easily exceed $1,000,000,000 contrary to projections. Simply look at how the city of Toronto builds subways.  The ongoing operating, maintenance and repair costs  can not be supported by the several hundred residences on the island. Do the Chippewas plan to build housing to defer costs? How many houses can they build? Where will those funds come?  who pays for the the incremental infrastructure. Clearly there is ...

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Attachment Full Enviromental Assessment needed

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Steve Joyce
• Reference Number: 98
• Submitted: 2025-02-23 - 11:00 AM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• As a resident of Georgina, I have a great concern regarding the environment impact this will have on Lake Simcoe, especially the area near the fixed link.  It will change the water flow, fish habitat, etc.  I'm not sure we have seen a great enough need for this to be built to warrant the damage that it could cause.  It certainly should not be built without a complete Environment Assessment and full investigation into alternative solutions.

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Attachment GIFL

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Georgina, Ontario & Canadian resident & taxpayer
• Reference Number: 97
• Submitted: 2025-02-04 - 12:22 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• Questions: 1. Who & how was the hieght of the "high level bridge" section at 10 meters (as the water depth in the area approacing the prposed GIFL from the west is not that deep)?   2. Was a swing bridge ever considered as an alternative?... 3. ... or the initial & operating costs of a swing bridge considered?   4. Will there be any fees to:   (i) drive, or    (ii) walk, or   (iii) ride a bike over the GIFL to or from the island ?   Thank you  Ken Tessis  T 416.258.6394 E  kentessis@gmail.com    

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Attachment Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association Request for Impact Assessment

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Lee Simpson
• Reference Number: 94
• Submitted: 2024-04-29 - 9:35 AM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• Please add this report to the IAAC – GIFL #83539 project
• Attachment Included
• Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association 1 of 3| P a g e Cover Letter-Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association submission Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Registry file #83539 Anjala Puvananathan, Regional Director and Project Manager File 83539 Re: The Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association formal submission to the Impact Agency of Canada to support the Agency’s Decision in accordance with Section 16 of the Impact Assessment Act to require an Impact Assessment for the Georgina Island Fixed Link proposal to build a 2.4 km Bridge and Causeway in Lake Simcoe and a 800 m Roadway on federal lands in the Greenbelt between Black River Road and the shoreline. (CIAR # 83539) Dear Ms. Punavanathen As President and on behalf of the Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association (“LSSSRA”), I offer the following attached report including information and explanation why an impact assessment under the Impact Assessment Act (the “IAA”) is (should be) ...

Attachment Objection to a fixed link

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Cottager
• Reference Number: 93
• Submitted: 2024-04-11 - 2:21 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• I am actively participating in the ongoing process strongly opposing a fixed link of any kind between Georgina Island and the south shore of Lake Simcoe. My comment stems from being a 63 year cottager (3rd generation) on the south shore of lake simcoe. I witnessed first hand the effects of years of the Government dumping truck loads of sand into lake Simcoe at Sibbald point.  The wave effect or 'long shore current' (look up the definition) brough so much sand around the east point of the park that it filled in 2 privately owned boat houses, shoreline and dock areas and created a new point of land. There was a law suit determining that the government was held liable. The spent millinons of dollars and most of one summer with large cranes filling truck load after truck load of sand to remediate the disturbed shoreline east of the park.  The governments solution to reduce this problem was to erect 2 x 150 stone piers or groins ...

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Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link Update

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
• Reference Number: 91
• Submitted: 2024-03-04 - 9:12 AM
• Project Phase: N/A
• Participation Notice: N/A
• See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe 
• Attachment Included
• <Original signed by>

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Attachment letter re Georgina Island Fixed Link

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Claire Malcolmson
• Reference Number: 92
• Submitted: 2024-03-01 - 12:30 PM
• Project Phase: N/A
• Participation Notice: N/A
• See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe 
• Attachment Included
• February 29, 2024 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Attn: Anjala Puvananathan Email: anjala.puvananathan@iaac-aeic.gc.ca GEORGINA ISLAND FIXED LINK PROJECT 83539 Please accept this letter as a follow up to our original submission on the Initial Project Plan which we filed with the IAAC on May 27, 2022. We have been advised that the Georgina Island First Nations are intending to file their Detailed Project Description with the IAAC imminently. We have reviewed the 36 technical comments on the project completed by the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority and concur that there is a lot more work that needs to be undertaken before a project of this magnitude can proceed. We also have been participating deeply in the review of the Bradford Bypass highway and our concerns about the lake’s health and the impacts of new roads have grown. We would like to ensure that any and all future highways are dealt with in a manner that goes beyond the way the ...

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Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link Project 83539

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Ian Big Canoe Georgina Island Fire Chief
• Reference Number: 90
• Submitted: 2024-02-26 - 9:06 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• See the attached submission / Veuillez consulter la pièce ci-jointe 
• Attachment Included
• February 26, 2024 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Attn: Anjala Puvananathan Email: anjala.puvananathan@iaac-aeic.gc.ca GEORGINA ISLAND FIXED LINK PROJECT 83539 On behalf of the First Nation residents who reside on Georgina Island who oppose the bridge construction, I would like our comments to be published on the IAAC website and be shared with all decision makers as we believe this project should not be approved without a full Impact Assessment. A petition outlining these concerns has been circulating in our community since February 20, 2024. We plan to keep collecting signatures to raise awareness among Lake Simcoe stakeholders about the impacts of this project. We understand WSP intends to file a Detailed Project Plan in the near future. The Initial Project Plan that was filed with IAAC included a number of misrepresentations. We attended a meeting recently with WSP and Cambian Indigenous Professional Services (CIPS) to sell us on the reports ...

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Attachment Protect Lake Simcoe

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of the Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association (LSSSRA)
• Reference Number: 89
• Submitted: 2023-10-04 - 4:08 PM
• Project Phase: N/A
• Participation Notice: N/A
• Please see the attached submission
• Attachment Included
• Protect Lake Simcoe A discussion paper outlining alternatives to the ‘Georgina Island Fixed Link Project’ and why a bridge and two causeways would be environmentally damaging to Lake Simcoe Prepared by: Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association October 2023 Protect Lake Simcoe | 2 The Proposed Project The Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation are proposing to construct and operate what they have named the “Georgina Island Fixed Link Project”. This project consists of a 3.6 km two lane 40-foot-wide roadway, including two permanent causeways, a new 1200 metre-long 65 foot high bridge and a 1 km roadway through the Greenbelt connecting the southern end of Georgina Island to the mainland in the Town of Georgina across Lake Simcoe. About the Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association The Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association (“LSSSRA”) represents several hundred residents that will be directly affected by the Georgina Island bridge and ...

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Attachment Trent Severn Waterway, Footpath and Government Should Fully Fund Causeway

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Julia Brown
• Reference Number: 88
• Submitted: 2022-12-30 - 10:44 AM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• Good Afternoon, My name is Julia Brown and I am a Treaty Person.  My ancestors moved to Canada from England, Scotland and Ireland and settled on Indigenous Land.  For this reason,  I am responsbile for upholding the Treaty Rights of Indigenous Peoples, including ensuring that my Government respects those rights as well.    Many years ago, there was a stretch of land that connected the Georgina Island First Nation to the Mainland.  This allowed for Residents of the Island to pass back and forth unihibited.  When the Trent Severn Waterway was constructed, there was no Indigenous engagement.  The result of the Waterwaty was that this stretch of land became fully covered with water.  This has caused major issues with transportation for the Chippewas of Georgina Island and has resulted in isolation and health/education inequities.  The Residents are fully reliant on a ferry and, there are times of the year when ...

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Attachment I fully support a bridge from Georgina mainland to the islands

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Wendy Comer
• Reference Number: 87
• Submitted: 2022-10-15 - 4:35 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• It seems that any improvement today should be turned away because of environmental impact.  If we keep going at this rate there will never be improvements. A bridge allows for all year access, takes the current ferries out of use, which has to positively impact the environment. I am fairly certain there will be an environmental impact should the bridge be built, but I also think due to the indigenous way of respecting and caring for the environment, the impacts will be minimal. This bridge has been a long time coming and will make the island far more accessible than it is now.  I have lived in the Keswick area for 40+ years and I have never been to the island. I fully support the building of a bridge!

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Attachment Town of Georgina - Information to inform the Summary of Issues

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Town of Georgina
• Reference Number: 80
• Submitted: 2022-06-01
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• Please see the attached submission.
• Attachment Included
• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Page 1 of 4 CIAR reference number: 83539 Comment Form – Information to inform the Summary of Issues Project: Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Proponent: Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation Canadian Impact Assessment Registry No.: 83539 Comments requested by: May 29, 2022 Municipality Name: Town of Georgina Primary Contact Contact Name: Ryan Cronsberry, CAO Telephone: 9054764301 Address:26557 Civic Center Road Fax (optional): Email: rcronsberry@georgina.ca; Alternative Contact (optional) Contact Name: Rob Wheater, DCAO Telephone: 9054764301 Address: Fax (optional): Email: info@georgina.ca; rwheater@georgina.ca; The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada invites your municipality to provide information it has available at this time on the Project and its potential effects or impacts (both positive and negative) to the environmental, health, social and economic conditions of your community. Your comments will inform ...

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Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link Project - NDMNRF Comment on Initial Project Description

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry submitted by Jeffrey Dennis
• Reference Number: 73
• Submitted: 2022-05-30 - 7:18 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: N/A
• Please find attached the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry's comments on the Initial Project Description for the Georgina Island Fixed Link project. Included is the completed Provincial Advice Record and NDMNRF Provincial Comment Table (previously submitted in response to the Draft Initial Project Description). Comments may be subject to revision/addition upon supplemental review. Thank you, Jeffrey Dennis (Resource Development Planning Coordinator, NDMNRF)
• Attachment Included
• Attachment 2: Provincial Comment Table for the Georgina Island Fixed Link Project – Draft Initial Project Description (IPD) Draft IPD submitted by the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation (the Proponent) Use this document to provide comments on the Georgina Island Fixed Link Project (the Project). The document consists of two tables: • Table 1 will enable you to describe potential project effects.1 The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (the Agency) requests detailed advice to assist the Agency in understanding whether the proponent has adequately characterized potential adverse effects of the Project and to improve the proponent’s Initial Project Description before a formal submission. Refer to prompts in the table to guide your responses. • Error! Reference source not found. will facilitate the collection of general or editorial comments. Table 1: Description of the potential effects of the Project 1 effects in this context means changes to the environment or ...
• Attachment Included
• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Page 1 of 5 CIAR reference number: 83539 Provincial Advice Record – Information to Inform the Summary of Issues Project: Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Proponent: Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation CIAR No.: 83539 Response requested by: May 29, 2022 All comments should be submitted via the Submit a Comment feature available on the Project’s Canadian Impact Assessment Registry page (Reference #83539 at http://iaac-aeic.gc.ca/050/evaluations/proj/83539?culture=en-CA). Letters and forms can be uploaded using this feature. If you have any difficulties submitting this way, please contact the Agency at GeorginaIsland-IleGeorgina@iaac-aeic.gc.ca. 1. Confirm whether your ministry would like to participate in the federal impact assessment process for this Project. Yes No If yes, please provide contact details for the person(s) who will be working with the Agency. Ministry: Northern Development, Mines, Natural ...

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Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link Project comments

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Cora Raine
• Reference Number: 79
• Submitted: 2022-05-30
• Project Phase: N/A
• Participation Notice: N/A
• Please see attached document
• Attachment Included
• 29 May 2022 Impact Assessment Agency of Canada Re: GIFN - Fixed Link Impact Assessment public consultation ending 29 May 2022 Please find these comments and information that may be useful to your considerations in the attached pdf. It includes photo observation in documentation of the significant wildlife appearing and photographed in the coastal Virginia Hamlet and local areas, along her shores and the creek mouths that drain into Lake Simcoe, and in the north half of the 115 Hadden farm field at the edge of the nine-acre coastal wetland (mouth of Virginia Creek C) at the lake. The creeks draining through Virginia Hamlet are hatcheries that feed and stock the lake. The wildlife photo pages and other pages were not purposed to this information, but I thought the info may be useful in some way so have included random excerpted pages. I don't have time to recompose and repurpose them. Virginia Hamlet and these mainland shoreline habitations are swampland ...

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Attachment Examen de la description initiale de projet

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Administrator on behalf of Nation huronne-wendat
• Reference Number: 83
• Submitted: 2022-05-30
• Project Phase: N/A
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Veuillez consulter la soumission ci-jointe.
• Attachment Included
• 255, Place Chef Michel-Laveau, Wendake (Québec) G0A 4V0 Canada Téléphone : (418) 843-3767 Télécopieur : (418) 842-1108 Sans frais : 1-877-712-3767 Wendake, le 30 mai 2022 Anjala Puvananathan Directrice Région de l’Ontario Agence d’évaluation d’impact du Canada 600-55, rue York Toronto (Ontario) M5J 1R7 Objet: Projet de remplacement du pont Alexandra – Examen de la description initiale de projet La présente concerne l’objet en titre et fait suite à la lettre que vous avez adressée au Grand Chef de la Nation huronne-wendat, Monsieur Rémy Vincent, le 29 avril 2022. Tout d’abord, nous vous réitérons que le gouvernement du Canada est tenu de consulter les Autochtones, et donc notre Nation, sur l’ensemble du Nionwentsïo, lorsqu’il y a modification ou adoption d’un projet de loi, de règlement ou de politique, de même en ce qui concerne les projets de planification, d’aménagement, de développement et d’émission de baux sur le territoire, ou ...

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Attachment Ref. 8353 GIFL

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Eija Pietila
• Reference Number: 72
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 11:59 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I do understand that the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation need to have a safe reliable access from Georgina Island to the Mainland. An improved infrastructure transportation availability will be beneficial in their daily activities of living.  Unfortunately any structural change in the Lake will have consequences with the Environmental and Ecological Health of the Lake and surrounding watershed. It will have a direct effect on water quality,water flow, and natural habitats of fish and wildlife.  It is imperative that Impact Assessment of Canada and all environmental agencies do a  transparent through assessment and mitigation of the GIFL project. The study area should go from Sibbald Point  to Duclos Point as I feel this area will also be impacted by the building of the GIFL.  With new advancements in technology and engineering perhaps alternative solutions could be investigated like electric ferries, ice breakers and ...

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Attachment Have Alternatives to a Fixed Link Been Meaningfully Explored?

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Adam Lawson
• Reference Number: 71
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 11:49 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Access to the island year-round, especially for medical services, is a problem that needs a solution. But outside of the environmental concerns (which I expect will be investigated), it is not clear that replacing or improving the existing ferry and ice road operations is not a sufficient or proportional fix. The Project Team appears to mischaracterize other alternatives. At an October 5, 2021 public meeting, the Project Team rejected that a “greener” icebreaker ferry (that can be used all year long) was feasible, stating a Health Impact Assessment "identifies the fixed link as the only solution to effectively meet the health and safety issues" posed by a lack of year-round access.(Summary of an Initial Project Description of a Designated Project, pg. 19 PDF). But the Health Impact Assessment (HIA) does not make such a claim, noting that "the HIA does not focus on alternatives to the current transportation options but rather ...

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Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link Project

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Patrick Hansford
• Reference Number: 70
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 10:21 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Doesn't seem like anyone has spent much time looking at alternatives, A "Fixed link" is described as "i.e., a bridge and a causeway" according to the Project Overview. However, A "Bridge", and a "Bridge and a Causeway" are two of the four alternatives? PG 25 also states that "Option A) doing nothing" is one way "to meet the need for the Project and achieve its purpose". Why is this even a conversation?. But sure, let's just burn more money. On behalf of the McRae Beach Association, which membership includes approximately 150 residential homes and cottages, we would like to state our unanimous objection to the proposed Fixed Link project, and hereto file our comments.   We believe that there will be significant ecological and environmental repercussions should this Fixed Link be allowed to be constructed as presented. The McRae Beach ...

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Attachment Not the solution

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: E Mortson
• Reference Number: 69
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 9:51 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I am very concerned about the negative impacts that this bridge will have on Lake Simcoe. Many of those that have commented here have raised the environmental impacts of the bridge, which are valid, I’m also concerned about the environmental impacts from the commercialization of the island that will occur if the GIFL is built. This has not been mentioned in any of the materials. Also, the assessment being considered here doesn’t account for the multiple projects being built on the shores of lake simcoe and the cumulative impacts they will have.  Unfortunately, public outreach for this initiative seems to be under the radar and many residents are unaware of it. More time is required to : - properly weigh the options and if the scale of the funding for this project is properly being put to use given there are greener options that can provide safer access - ensure correct public outreach has occurred with all residents and ...

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Attachment Concern Regarding Fixed Link Bridge

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Julie Boarder
• Reference Number: 68
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 7:23 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• As a resident of McRae Beach, I have a great concern regarding the environment impact this will have on Lake Simcoe, especially the area near the fixed link.  It will change the water flow, fish habitat, etc.  I'm not sure we have seen a great enough need for this to be built to warrant the damage that it could cause.  It certainly should not be built without a complete Environment Assessment and full investigation into alternative solutions. Julie Boarder Blue Heron Drive

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Attachment Strong opposed to the Fixed Link being built

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Stephanie Finch
• Reference Number: 67
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 7:19 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I believe that there will be significant ecological and environmental issues should the proposed Fixed Link be built as presented. As a recent property owner in the area I am concerned of the impact this Fixed Link will have in decreasing our property value by defalt of this project being built without a proper full and complete Environmental Assessment. It's important that alternative solutions are investigated properly - let's look into the cost of a green energy ferry to replace the current end of lifespan ferry, instead of building a permanent structure spanning across our beautiful lake.

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Attachment Stop, Protect the Water, More Research First

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Thanesh Yoga
• Reference Number: 66
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 6:51 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• As a full-time resident on Lake Simcoe, I object to the development of a permanent structure over Lake Simcoe without broader research, collobration and planning involving impacted stakeholders first. I am concerned about any permanent structure over and/or on the water that would impact the health and safety of residents, wildlife, and the lake water itself. A permanent structure would restrict water flow, jeopardize drinking water drawn from the lake, create noise and light pollution, and possibly create conditions leading to swampy, dirty water in areas around the structure is dangerous. I feel there are alternatives to improving committing  between Georgina Island and the mainland. These should be explorered first and evaluated among the costs, risks and benefits related to this proposal  I propose that a full environmental impact study be conducted and disseminated to Lake Simcoe residents before any decisions are made to approve the ...

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Attachment Proposed Fixed Link Project

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Maria Vlachos
• Reference Number: 65
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 6:25 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I am a full time resident of Lake Simcoe and I objext to the propsed Fixed LInk project. I believe there to be significant ecological and environmental concerns to be adressed. I am in agreement with the LSSSRA and urge the Impact Assessment of Canada, the MInister and Environmental canada to participate in a full environmental assessment. Proper research must be done and presented to all concerned before any decision is made.   thank you . Maria Vlachos  6 Blue Heron Drive  Pefferlaw Ont.

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Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Proposal

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Alannah David-Clark
• Reference Number: 64
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 6:12 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• Prior to the development of the Trent-Severn Waterway the water level on Lake Simcoe was low enough to enable residents to cross in wagons or walk in ankle-deep water to the mainland at Virginia beach, reference from "Lake Simcoe Water levels," Lake Simcoe Region Conversation Authority. August 2013.   This has also been documented in numerous history books about the area. I agree an environmental assessment needs to be conducted and shared prior to changing the lake however I have to wonder what assessments or considerations were given to the people of Georgina island prior to the lake being artificially raised.  Proper access to the mainland is needed not the current band aid solution for an aged ferry which doesn't run 24 hours a day.  

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Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link - a comprehensive full impact assessment is needed.

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Michael Burns
• Reference Number: 63
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 5:50 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• What would be the cost of the Georgina Island Fixed Link to the health of Lake Simcoe? That is one of the most important question and it seems that no effort is being made to find the answer.   The potential environmental impacts mentioned in the Initial Project Description are only for the 'study area' and that study area only covers the area of the construction itself when in fact this is a massive project with potentially wide reaching impacts.   According to the description the link would consist of 'two permanent causeways, each with a continuous length of 500 to 1000 metres' plus a bridge. So put another way there would one to two kilometers of lake obstructed by this link. This could have extensive harmful effects on the lake to the east of the link - an area already under significant environmental stress. How can this barrier not affect the flow of the lake's waters into the ...

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Attachment Also a McRae Beach Resident

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Chris Sloan
• Reference Number: 62
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 5:35 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I note with interest the statement submitted by the McRae Beach Association in opposition to the GIFN fixed link. I am a resident of McRae Beach and I support the proposed fixed link and I know others on the beach who also support it. The claim of "unanimous" opposition is therefore untrue. I note that the main concern for the Association seems to be for the environment and health of the lake. I'm glad to hear it, because of all the other numerous issues facing the health of our lake, the Association to my knowledge has been remarkably silent. It seems that the environment and health of the lake is only important in certain, specific situations - like when it might also affect a sunset view. In light of this, it is a disappointing position for the Association to take. For my own part, if we are to live up to the slogan that "every child matters" and if we have any hope of fulfilling the T&RC's 99 Calls to Action, it is time we start listening to our ...

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Attachment Say NO to GIFL

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Mark Sager
• Reference Number: 61
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 4:36 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• 1.As you know, sadly the Lake Simcoe ECOSYSTEM will be negatively impacted by a fixed link to Georgina Island. 2. The fixed link will cause stagnant water by blocking the wave action and water currents from the West.This will produce a TERRIBLE SMELL on the lake. 3.The beautiful view of THE SUNSET and THE OPEN LAKE will be blocked for everyone to the South East of THE GIFL.   4. The correct solution for transporting people in cars in winter in this situation is an ELECTRIC zero emission icebreaking FERRY BOAT which is in use at the present time at the Toronto ISLAND AIRPORT and in many other places in Ontario. This can replace the existing ferry. This is safer then driving across the GIFL in Winter This is MUCH MORE environmentally friendly then the GIFL This is available at A FRACTION OF THE COST of GIFL SINCERELY MARK SAGER MD

Report

Attachment Fixed Link Project Lake Simcoe

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: Susan Lawson
• Reference Number: 60
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 4:34 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• I believe there will be significant ecological and environmental repercussions should this Fixed Link be allowed to be constructed as presented.  Very few alternatives were properly researched or presented. It is important that all stakeholders involved are consulted and that ALL viable alternatives be properly researched, presented and assessed in advance of any decision. Thank you for taking our concerns seriously. Susan Lawson

Report

Attachment McRae Beach Association Objection to proposed Fixed Link Project

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: McRae Beach Association submitted by Jane Kidner
• Reference Number: 59
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 4:34 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• On behalf of the McRae Beach Association, which membership includes approximately 150 residential homes and cottages, we would like to state our unanimous objection to the proposed Fixed Link project, and hereto file our comments.   We believe that there will be significant ecological and environmental repercussions should this Fixed Link be allowed to be constructed as presented. The McRae Beach Association, in agreement with the Lake Simcoe South Shore Residents Association (LSSSRA), urges Impact Assessment of Canada, the Minister and staff at Environment Canada to require a full and complete Environmental Assessment.  We are also concerned that very few alternatives to the proposed Fixed Link were properly researched or presented. It is important in a project of this size with so many environmental concerns and stakeholders involved, that all viable alternatives be properly researched, presented and assessed in advance of any ...

Report

Attachment Georgina Island Fixed Link Project Proposal (ref #83539)

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: McRae Beach Owners Association submitted by Linda Gross
• Reference Number: 58
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 3:25 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
• As a full-time resident on Lake Simcoe, I am concerned about any permanent structure on/over the water that would impact the health and safety of residents, wildlife and fish, and the lake water itself. Any permanent structure that would not only obstruct the view on the lake, but would restrict water flow, jeopardize drinking water drawn from the lake, create noise and light pollution, and possibly create conditions leading to swampy, dirty water in areas around the structure is unacceptable ... especially as there are other more affordable and less disruptive alternatives to improving connectivity between Georgina Island and the mainland. For example, one would expect that replacing the current ferry with perhaps two or three ferries would be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than any proposed permanent structure.    I propose that a full environmental impact study be conducted and disseminated to Lake Simcoe residents before any decisions ...

Report

Attachment Comment removed by Administrator due to administrative purposes

• Georgina Island Fixed Link Project
• Author: JC Waller
• Reference Number: 57
• Submitted: 2022-05-29 - 2:30 PM
• Project Phase: Planning
• Participation Notice: Public Notice - Public Comments Invited on a Summary of the Initial Project Description
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