Aerial view of Presqu'ile beach. /Presqu'ile Provincial Park Facebook photo
Brighton has officially joined the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, a coalition of over 270 municipal leaders dedicated to safeguarding the environmental and socioeconomic health of communities in the Great Lakes Basin.
Mayor Brian Ostrander gave us some insight on why Brighton decided to join the initiative.
Ostrander announced Brighton’s membership, highlighting the town’s commitment to ecosystem protection and climate resilience. “As a community on Lake Ontario, Brighton has a responsibility to safeguard our natural resources and prepare for climate change. Our flooding experiences in 2017 and 2019 underscore the importance of collaboration,” Ostrander said.
Ostrander says Brighton’s flooding problems were a big incentive to join.
The initiative aims to ensure clean, affordable water access, protect aging water infrastructure, and foster a sustainable blue-green economy. Gino Moretti, Mayor of Saint-Anicet, Quebec, and the initiative’s Canadian co-chair, welcomed Brighton, noting that municipalities are on the frontlines of climate and water challenges.
Brighton, known for its scenic Presqu’ile Provincial Park and lakeside charm, will work alongside other communities to address shared challenges, from rising water levels to sustainable development.
Mayor Brian Ostrander says the initiative intersects with conservation and economics.
The initiative’s overarching vision is to transform the Great Lakes Basin into a world-leading corridor for eco-conscious industries and communities.
The Great Lakes Basin contains 80% of North America’s fresh water, serving as a vital resource for millions in Canada and the U.S.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
