Six Ways the Great Lakes Fueled Ontario's Development

The Great Lakes have been foundational to Ontario's economic and environmental prosperity:

1. Transportation and Trade: The St. Lawrence Seaway links the lakes to the Atlantic; major ports at Toronto, Hamilton, Thunder Bay.
2. Industry and Manufacturing: Abundant water for steel, chemicals, food processing; hydroelectric power generation.
3. Agriculture: Fertile soils and lake-moderated climate support corn, soy, wheat; irrigation and crop transport.
4. Tourism: Fishing, boating, beaches, Niagara Falls attract millions.
5. Water Supply: Drinking water for 40+ million people in Ontario and the U.S.
6. Climate Regulation: Lakes absorb and slowly release heat, moderating temperatures and increasing humidity.

Without the Great Lakes, Ontario's development would be unrecognizable.