WHEREAS a watershed is an area that catches rain and snow, allowing water to seep into marshes, streams, rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers, effectively making everyone a resident within a watershed;
AND WHEREAS the Town of The Blue Mountains is blessed with several watersheds, many of which contain rivers, streams, lakes, springs, and aquifers that transcend municipal boundaries, connecting us through our shared reliance on Georgian Bay as part of the Great Lakes;
AND WHEREAS our rapidly growing municipality faces increased pressure on its natural environment, which is vital for the community’s well-being and is a primary reason many residents choose to live here;
AND WHEREAS there is a critical need for a municipal water management plan that emphasizes collaboration with neighboring municipalities, agencies, and citizen groups to protect our watersheds, given our shared reliance on these resources;
AND WHEREAS human actions, such as ecosystem and landscape changes, sedimentation, pollution, and climate change, significantly impact our natural water resources;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council supports, in principle, the organization of a summit focusing on the protection and management of our watersheds, bringing together community members, organizations, agencies, and other stakeholders to contribute their expertise and perspectives;
AND THAT Council is open to encouraging and supporting external organizations in taking the lead to develop and facilitate this summit, using their knowledge and resources to aid in the creation of a robust municipal water management plan.