Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan: The friendly little monster

Abstract

The Severn Sound Remedial Action Plan began as a federal-provincial initiative and became a “friendly little monster” when the community of small urban centers and rural townships took their responsibility seriously and became fully committed to the restoration of Severn Sound as a “toxic hot-spot” on the Great Lakes. Severn Sound is a complex of bays and inlets in south-eastern Georgian Bay. The Area of Concern was listed in 1985 because of eutrophication and habitat loss. This article will explore the changes in organizational structure supporting Remedial Action Plan development and implementation from an external federal-provincial program to a local organization supported by a variety of partners. Key principles of funding the remedial actions and administration of the local Severn Sound Environmental Association will be highlighted. This transition led to successful implementation and ultimate delisting of the Area of Concern in 2003. Following delisting, creative local partnership agreements and financing were arranged to continue long-term implementation and to meet emerging environmental challenges.