The government of Ontario announced July 2013 that it will take over the funding of the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) in conjunction with the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD).
According to a press release from the office of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, the government of Ontario initially pledged approximately $2 million on April 24, 2013, and confirmed the transfer July 30 to support the location.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada also reached a memorandum of understanding with the IISD to operate the ELA May 9, according to a press release from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Discussions will continue between the IISD and the government of Ontario to work out the specifics.
“Ontario recognizes the Experimental Lakes Area as a world-renowned freshwater research facility that contributes to our growing knowledge of ecosystem health and informs our stewardship strategies,” Ontario Minister of Natural Resources David Orazietti said in the press release.
“I am pleased that our government is working with the federal government towards the goal of sustaining operations at this unique natural resources laboratory,” he said.
According to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada webpage, it was announced on May 17, 2013 that the federal government would cease funding the ELA in March 2013.
The ELA was founded in 1968 and is comprised of 58 small lakes located approximately 50 kilometres from Kenora, Ont., according to the ELA website.
The organization is world renowned for providing a large amount of information regarding a wide range of environmental issues, including mercury contamination, acid rain, climate change, and algal blooms caused by phosphorus runoff.
