Motion - Councillor Davidson - Support for Provincial Action on Salt Pollution from Road Salt

Road salt has been polluting Ontario’s lakes and drinking water since the 1970s, with Richmond Hill—on the sensitive Oak Ridges Moraine—especially impacted.

Lake Wilcox salt levels have quadrupled since 1996. Despite government efforts, the issue is worsening.

The Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition is a coalition of groups, pushing Ontario to take real steps to reduce the salt pollution of our freshwaters. Road salt is polluting Ontario’s freshwater, and if we don’t manage it a lot better, our lakes, rivers and some of our drinking water will become seriously contaminated.

The coalition is asking all Ontario municipal councils to pass a resolution urging the Province to adopt limited liability legislation for snow and ice contractors to lower insurance costs, curb excessive salt use, and improve site safety by incentivizing adherence to best practices. Additionally, the Province is urged to bring experts together to advise it on how to better protect our environment and water from salt pollution, beyond limited liability.

Take a Stand Against Salt Pollution in Ontario and Lake Wilcox!

I’ve submitted a motion supporting action on salt pollution, which will be presented to Council at the Committee of the Whole on July 2.

If you share this concern, you can make a difference by emailing your support to clerks@richmondhill.ca by noon Monday June 30th.

The Ontario Salt Pollution Coalition also has a petition to sign: Help fight for action on salt pollution in Ontario

Regards,

Councillor Carol Davidson