Charlene Biggerstaff - Councillor Ward 1 Georgina

06/18/2026

Protecting Lake Simcoe has been a priority of mine, and I am encouraged to see meaningful progress in the fight against Water Soldier.

Earlier this year, I brought forward a motion at Georgina Council calling for increased support and action to address the growing threat posed by this invasive species in Cook's Bay and Lake Simcoe. Water Soldier continues to impact our environment, recreational waterways, and shoreline communities, and it was important that Georgina advocate for solutions and resources.

This past Monday, the Province of Ontario announced a $2 million investment through the Invasive Species Action Fund to help combat invasive species across Ontario, including efforts to address Water Soldier in Lake Simcoe.

Last night at the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Foundation's 37th Annual dinner, I was pleased to again meet with area MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy to personally thank and discuss what this funding means for our community and the ongoing work being undertaken by municipalities, environmental organizations, Indigenous partners, and volunteers who have been working tirelessly to protect Lake Simcoe.

While no single announcement solves the challenge before us, this investment is an important step forward and demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration, advocacy, and persistence.

Thank you to everyone who has helped raise awareness of this issue and support efforts to protect one of our community's greatest natural assets, Lake Simcoe.

There is still work to do, but I am proud to continue advocating for practical solutions that help safeguard Lake Simcoe for future generations, and I am thankful for the partnerships we have developed that bring real results.

Learn more: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007601/ontario-investing-2-million-to-help-stop-the-spread-of-invasive-species



Dawn Gallagher Murphy

06/16/2026

Keep up-to-date with our new quarterly newsletter. Find it in your mailbox soon!

Keep an eye out for the latest edition of Georgina Matters, arriving in mailboxes soon. 👀 📬

This seasonal newsletter is packed with Town updates, including information about the Southlake Health Community Town Hall on June 29, Canada Day celebrations, the 2026 municipal election and more. ⭐

Want to read it online? Visit georgina.ca/GeorginaMatters. 🔗

06/16/2026

06/15/2026

Today was a reminder that protecting Lake Simcoe takes collaboration, investment, and action.

I had the opportunity to join environmental experts and community partners on the water to learn firsthand about Water Soldier. This invasive aquatic plant poses a significant threat to our waterways and local ecosystems.

This is an issue I have been advocating for some time. Earlier this year, with staff's help, I brought forward a motion at Council calling for action on Water Soldier. The motion was supported by Council and shared with municipalities across the Lake Simcoe watershed to help build a coordinated response.

I was encouraged to hear the Province announce $2 million in funding for invasive species. Lake Simcoe will continue detection and monitoring, and begin removal of Water Soldier. It's only the start.

More work is needed, and it will be ongoing for many years to come.

It’s encouraging to see municipalities raise concerns, work together, and see those concerns heard and acted upon.

This investment is an important step toward protecting our lake, native species, recreational waterways, and surrounding communities.

Some of the best learning happens outside the council chamber. Seeing challenges firsthand, asking questions, and working alongside experts helps us make informed decisions for our community and our environment.

Thank you to the Invasive Species Centre and everyone involved in protecting one of Georgina’s greatest treasures—Lake Simcoe.

06/15/2026

Today was a reminder that protecting Lake Simcoe takes collaboration, investment, and action.

I had the opportunity to join environmental experts and community partners on the water to learn firsthand about Water Soldier. This invasive aquatic plant poses a significant threat to our waterways and local ecosystems.

This is an issue I have been advocating for some time. Earlier this year, with staff's help, I brought forward a motion at Council calling for action on Water Soldier.

The motion was supported by Council and shared with municipalities across the Lake Simcoe watershed to help build a coordinated response.

I was encouraged to hear the Province announce $2 million in funding for invasive species. Lake Simcoe will continue education, detection, monitoring, and begin removing Water Soldier.

It's only the start. More work will be needed, and it will be ongoing for many years to come.

It’s encouraging to see municipalities, agencies, and stewards raise concerns, work together, and see those concerns heard and acted upon.

This investment is an important step toward protecting our lake, native species, recreational waterways, and surrounding communities.

Some of the best learning happens outside the council chamber. Seeing challenges firsthand, asking questions, and working alongside experts helps us make informed decisions for our community and our environment.

Special thanks to the Invasive Species Centre and everyone involved in protecting one of Georgina’s greatest treasures—Lake Simcoe.

06/14/2026

It's turtle time. Have you seen an injured turtle?
Watch the video for more on how to help!

06/11/2026

Let’s bring it home!

Let’s hear you cheer Georgina! Keswick’s own Sean Walker is playing for the Carolina Hurricanes in the Stanley Cup final. 🙌🍁🎉

The Hurricanes host the Vegas Golden Knights tonight in game five with the series tied at two wins apiece. From local rinks to the NHL, we are proud to see one of our hometown athletes skating towards the Stanley Cup! 🏒🏆⭐

06/06/2026

A new foundation is planned for Accessibility!

As National AccessAbility Week wraps up, the Town is reflecting on this year’s theme, “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada.” 🛗🍁

Accessibility is ongoing work. The Town’s 2025 Annual Accessibility Report highlights progress made in 2025, including community input, inclusive recreation, accessible public spaces, digital services and planning that helps identify and remove barriers. ✅

This work is also guided by the 2025–2029 Multi-Year Accessibility Plan, which sets priorities for advancing accessibility in Town services, facilities, programs and policies over the next five years. ⭐

Learn more, read the report and view the plan at georgina.ca/accessibility. 🔗