For Immediate Release
July 11, 2007

WORKING TOGETHER TO DEAL WITH LOCAL ISSUE

Over the past number of weeks our communities have been working hard to deal with the unpleasant issue of dead carp in a number of lakes and along our shorelines. Being out in the community I have seen the affects of this matter first hand.

I have been in regular contact with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Environment offices for ongoing updates and information. I have also contacted both Mayor McGee and staff at the City of Kawartha Lakes, as well as communicating with the local health unit who are closely monitoring our beaches and our water quality.

The Ministry of Natural Resources is currently conducting testing through the University of Guelph to determine the cause. On July 10th preliminary results were sent to my office suggesting that a fast moving bacteria, called Columnaris, has been identified in the carp samples from Sturgeon Lake. More tests are pending, but it does appear that carp are the only species of fish that are affected.

The Haliburton-Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, which tests more than 40 public beaches each week, has advised that swimmers pay close attention to safety postings made regarding the beaches. Parks staff has been removing carp carcasses from all City-managed beach areas.

The City has also provided pick up of carp during regular garbage collection, along with additional curb-side pick ups on shoreline roads around the affected lakes. Those who wish to dispose of carp at city landfills can do this free of charge.

I have contacted the Minster of Natural Resources with respect to cost recovery for the City of Kawartha Lakes and other municipalities who have the responsibility of collection and safe disposal of the dead carcases.

We are also working closely with the Ministry of the Environment to ensure that dead carp are properly disposed.

I want to recognize and acknowledge the great work by City staff on this matter. They, along with dedicated residents, cottage/resort owners as well as visitors have been instrumental in assisting with the massive clean-up on our waterways and our shores.

The Ministry of Natural Resources has established a tip’s line that can be contacted at 1-800-667-1940, to call and report dead fish or other further information.

It’s imperative we work to keep our lakes and our shorelines clean and safe. Working together, as we have done in this situation, we have provided other areas of Ontario a fabulous example of community spirit.

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For Further Information Contact:

Laurie Scott, MPP

705- 324-6654

1-800-424-2490