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Cleaning Up Lake Simcoe
Through a $30-million Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund, the Government of Canada is helping communities around the lake to fight declining water quality. Since 2008, this fund has supported approximately 160 locally led projects involving municipalities, the Government of Ontario, conservation groups and Universities. Information on the projects is available using the clickable map below.
Lake Simcoe is the largest lake outside the Great Lakes system in Southern Ontario. Located north of Toronto, the lake is a major recreational area, generating $200 million a year in tourism revenue. It is also a major agricultural area and the lake supplies drinking water to eight municipalities. As a result of urban and rural pollution causing higher than normal levels of phosphorous, the lake is being robbed of oxygen, affecting cold water fish, wildlife and overall water quality.
Click on the red dots in the map to learn more about Lake Simcoe clean-up projects.
Legend
= Funded Project
Projects Near Kawartha Lakes
Project Name: McGee Creek Fencing Project
Project Proponent: The Couchiching Conservancy
Description: This project involved fencing 3,686 metres of the creek and wetlands to protect these areas.
Project Name: Portage Road Manure Storage and Management
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved constructing a new manure storage structure to reduce runoff from the stored manure and protect water sources.
Project Name: Portage Road Manure Storage and Management (Resubmission For Additional Project Funding)
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved constructing a new manure storage structure to reduce runoff from the stored manure and protect water sources.
Project Name: Tributaries to the Talbot Fencing Project
Project Proponent: Couchiching Conservancy
Description: This project will restrict 700 head of cattle from 12.5 kilometres of tributaries to the Talbot River, and will provide alternate water sources for the cattle.
Projects Near East Holland Watershed
Project Name: Phosphorous Efficient Agriculture for Lake Simcoe Watersheds
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs
Description: This project encourages corn producers to reduce phosphorous sources associated with corn production by using best tillage practices and phosphorous fertilizer application methods.
Projects Near Ramara Township
Project Name: Lagoon City Shoreline Management
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project explored sustainable weed control management options and established workshops with landowners to provide technical advice, encouragement and access to financial resources to complete shoreline planting projects.
Project Name: Ramara Creeks Stewardship Best Management Practices
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: Through stewardship planning, potential best management practice (BMP) project opportunities will be identified to address water quality of streams entering Lake Simcoe from the Township of Ramara.
Project Name: Ramara Creeks Stewardship Plan
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved creating a roofed manure storage facility for approximately 80 beef cattle, fencing to protect a local watercourse from the trampling of livestock; and the planting of trees and shrubs to reduce soil erosion.
Project Name: Lagoon City Septic System Decommissioning Program
Project Proponent: Township of Ramara
Description : This project’s main objective is to reduce phosphorus loadings to Lake Simcoe. The project involves replacing 13 existing septic systems with connections to the municipal sewage collection and treatment system. This will help to eliminate non-point sources of nutrients and other contaminants into Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Human mediated phosphorus input into Lake Simcoe: Evaluation using Caffeine as an anthropogenic marker
Project Proponent: Lakehead University
Description : This project will study the input of human mediated total phosphorus and other major human contaminants into Lake Simcoe via untreated land run-offs and faulty septic systems.
Lake-wide Projects
Project Name: Internal Versus External Sources of Carbon in Lake Simcoe and Effects on Offshore Water Quality
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Description: This project investigates current scientific evidence on internal and external sources of carbon to determine how improvements in water quality can be strengthened.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Near-shore Monitoring Program
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This program collected the information required to better understand, evaluate, manage, and potentially predict impacts or improvements in the near shore zone.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Near-shore monitoring program
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves (i): developing scientific partnerships to collect and analyze environmental information, and (ii) providing information critical for decision makers, lake managers, stakeholders and the general public.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Pelagic-Benthic Coupling and Near-shore Production Processes
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Description: The goal of this project is to improve understanding about the recently invading zebra mussels and on the way in which phosphorus and particulate organic matter is processed and distributed once it enters the lake.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Septic System Funding Program
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves developing a septic system funding program available to all septic system owners within 300m of the Lake Simcoe lakeshore to encourage them to upgrade and/or repair their current systems.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Septic System Funding Program – Phase 3
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description : This program will continue to administer grant funds in order to encourage landowners within 300 metres of Lake Simcoe to upgrade and/or repair their current septic systems. This program will help to reduce high levels of phosphorus and other contaminants flowing directly into Lake Simcoe and nearby watercourses.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Nearshore Ecology and Monitoring Program
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description : The nearshore zone of Lake Simcoe is an extensive area that has undergone significant environmental change. This project will employ a science-based approach to understand this aspect of Lake Simcoe, and will apply the results to improve lake management goals.
Projects Near Keswick
Project Name: Keffers Marina Habitat Restoration Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: The project comprises 2 parts:
- On-land: Removing the asphalt and gravel parking area and restoring a grassed area and naturalizing the shoreline.
- In water: Removing and disposing of the old docks and solid rock-crib break wall and creating new fish habitat on the bed of Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: ReWilding Keswick Creeks (formerly known as putting the participation in phosphorus reduction)
Project Proponent: Ladies of the Lake Conservation Association
Description: This project will engage the community in determining key ‘hot spots’ that need to be restored and in creating and implementing innovative projects to reduce phosphorus and rehabilitate priority habitats. Activities include reforesting areas of hydrological significance, improving landscaping practices to reduce the use of fertilizers and other contaminants, naturalizing shoreline and riparian areas and creating and improving wetland habitat. The project will also document the process and outcomes in the form of Best Management Practices for Urban and Suburban communities.
Projects Near Orillia
Project Name: Bluff's Creek Headwater: 2009 Water Quality Improvement Plan
Project Proponent: Kids for Turtles
Description: This project involves reducing phosphorus inputs from rural and urban sources, enhancing research and monitoring, and rehabilitating degraded habitats in order to restore the health of the aquatic habitat and the coldwater fishery in Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Kitchener Park Naturalization Project
Project Proponent: City of Orillia
Description: This project involved stabilizing and naturalizing 350 metres of park shoreline to discourage geese from feeding in the park and to reduce the amount of nutrients flowing into Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Wastewater Treatment Centre Effluent Nutrient Control
Project Proponent: City of Orillia
Description: This study provided a complete review of the management options for the control and further reduction of nutrients in Orillia’s Wastewater Treatment Centre effluent.
Project Name: Nutrient Reduction from Orillia ICI Facilities
Project Proponent: City of Orillia
Description : This project will evaluate a city-wide inventory to understand which industrial, commercial and institutional sources contribute excessive nutrients and chemical pollutants to the sanitary sewer system.
Projects Near Woodville
Project Name: Covered Manure Storage Facility Project
Project Proponent: Private landowner
Description: This project involves the construction of a new roofed manure storage facility as recommended by the Landowner’s approved Nutrient Management Strategy.
Projects Near Uxbridge
Project Name: First Leaside Co-op Stormwater Management Project
Project Proponent: First Leaside Group of Companies
Description: This project involves redeveloping two properties adjacent to Uxbridge brook in order to reduce phosphorus pollution in Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Hop Hill Stables Manure Management by Anaerobic Digestion - Phase 1
Project Proponent: Michael Jewett
Description: This project demonstrates that through composting and other digestion means, manure can be utilized in an efficient and effective manner.
Project Name: Livestock Access Restriction – Township of Uxbridge
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved constructing a fence to restrict livestock from entering a headwater spring/ intermittent pond and wetland.
Project Name: Restoration of Pefferlaw Brook by Removing Existing On-line Pond
Project Proponent: Burnside & Associates Ltd
Description: This project will, in effect, remove an on-line pond, allowing trout to swim freely. The project will also create up to 500 square meters of fish habitat.
Project Name: Stormwater Management Retrofit using New Technology King Street
Project Proponent: Township of Uxbridge
Description: This project will focus on retrofitting the storm water facility using new technology. It is anticipated that this improvement will result in a reduction of 17kg per year of phosphorus going into the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Projects Near Georgina
Project Name: Lockmar Farms - Covered Dry Manure Storage and Runoff Containment
Project Proponent: Lockmar Farms
Description: This project involves the construction of a new roofed manure facility to control the manure from 100 heifers. This project will prevent runoff from the manure pile from entering the Lake Simcoe watershed.Project Name: Cedar Park Erosion and Habitat Creation
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves rehabilitating and creating fish habitat in the river by placing rock and cobble on the bed and planting natural vegetation along the bank to encourage stabilization and help in reducing phosphorous loading into the river.
Project Name: Lockmar Farms - Liquid manure storage and pump
Project Proponent: James Lockie
Description: This project involved the construction of a concrete liquid manure storage tank that will control and contain nutrients like phosphorus, and significantly decrease the possibility of contamination.
Project Name: Loretto Maryholme Shoreline Restoration
Project Proponent: Loretto Maryholme
Description: This project involved restoring shoreline erosion through the use of bioengineering techniques to slow slope retreat, increase vegetative cover, control surface water runoff and reduce the amount of sediment deposited into Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Otter Cove Streambank stabilization and habitat creation
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved the creation of new spawning habitat and installation of a riparian buffer to stabilize the stream bank and create habitat to help restore the health of the aquatic ecosystem and improve the quality of water entering Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Reduction of phosphorus inputs into Lake Simcoe Watershed from nursery sod production through better phosphorous management
Project Proponent: University of Guelph
Description: This project involves reducing excessive nutrients from non-point sources, enhancing research, and monitoring and reducing pollution from point sources.
Project Name: Walter Drive Erosion Control Project
Project Proponent: Walter Drive Erosion Control Project
Description: This project involved restoring 163 metres of creek bank and lakeshore using bioengineering techniques to enhance fish habitat and reduce sediment and nutrient loads from stormwater runoff.
Project Name: Zephyr Creek and Tributaries Habitat Restoration/Water Quality Improvement Project
Project Proponent: The Zephyr Society of Lake Simcoe
Description: This project involved improving natural wetland and woodland tributaries by installing 2.5km of livestock fencing, naturalizing creek-side habitat, and establishing strategies to prevent stream erosion.
Project Name: Zephyr Creek and Tributaries Habitat Restoration/Water Quality Improvement Project, Phase II, 2009
Project Proponent: The Zephyr Society of Lake Simcoe
Description: The objective of the project was to improve water quality of a vital part of the Zephyr Creek and other small natural wetland/woodland tributaries. This was accomplished by restoring wetland, riparian, and woodland habitat in an area of the Zephyr Creek.
Project Name: Roches Point Eco Park Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved naturalizing an urban street, creating new fish habitat, and improving water circulation by re-shaping an old solid pier.
Project Name: Reduction of Point and Non-Point Source Pollution for Georgina, Snake and Fox Islands
Project Proponent: Georgian College
Description : This project will focus on filling data information gaps and providing beneficial management practices and community education to reduce point and non-point source pollution in Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Liquid manure storage and gravity flow transfer system
Project Proponent: Private landowner
Description : This project involves the construction and maintenance of a concrete tank for the containment and storage of all manure, parlour and milk house waste from a 55-cow dairy milking herd. This project will significantly reduce the levels of phosphorus and other nutrients associated with dairy cattle manure, parlour and milk house waste from entering the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Project Name: Crescent Beach, Lake Simcoe Shoreline Restoration Project
Project Proponent: Private landowner
Description : This project involved removal of a breakwater and the naturalization and rehabilitation of the surrounding shoreline.
Projects Near Maskinonge River Watershed
Project Name: Maskinonge River Recovery Project Phase 3
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves the implementation phase of the 3-phase Maskinonge River Recovery Project. Both rural and urban sources of phosphorus will be targeted for removal through the implementation of several activities in Keswick. This project will also continue to engage the community, raising awareness of the importance of best management practices.
Project Name: Adopt the Maskinonge River Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved reducing both rural and urban sources of phosphorus and other contaminants and engaging the Maskinonge community by raising awareness of the importance of best management practices within the sub-watershed.
Project Name: Maskinonge River Adopt-a-Watershed Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved developing a stewardship plan through community outreach, landowner surveys, an issues inventory, science analysis, and community consultation.
Project Name: Wetlands as a Nutrient Buffer: Evaluation of Mill Creek and Victoria Point Wetlands in Orillia, Ontario
Project Proponent: Lakehead University - Orillia
Description: This project involves studying the potential of wetlands to act as a nutrient buffer by retaining and precipitating nutrients (especially phosphates and total phosphorous) in order to reduce phosphate loading into Lake Simcoe.
Projects Near Virginia
Project Name: 1 Lambrook Drive Shoreline Stabilization
Project Proponent: Town of Georgina
Description: This project will remove an old concrete retaining wall and limestone blocks from 30 metres of the Lake Simcoe shoreline. The shoreline will be naturalized using native vegetation and granite boulders. Bio-engineering techniques will be used to stabilize and enhance the shoreline.
Projects Near Aurora
Project Name: Developing engineered stormwater wetland technology to greatly improve clean up by stormwater management facilities Phase 1
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved converting an existing large dry pond basin into an engineered stormwater wetland, resulting in much cleaner stormwater release into nearby waters.
Project Name: Highland Gate Habitat Improvement Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project enhanced the watercourse by retrofitting two of the online ponds and by applying golf course best management practices to improve fish habitat and water quality.
Project Name: Highland Gate Habitat Improvement Project Phase II
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project enhances the watercourse by improving 25 water retention ponds to improve fish habitat, water quality and maintain coldwater habitat characteristics.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Storm Water Protection Program
Project Proponent: Windfall Ecology Centre
Description: This program offers simple solutions for property owners to help them reduce the amount of runoff flowing into Lake Simcoe.
Projects Near Bradford
Project Name: Feasibility Analysis and Preliminary Design - Creating Treatment Lagoon to Reduce Phosphorus Loading From Holland Marsh
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project evaluates a more cost-effective solution than the creation of a wastewater treatment facility in order to reduce phosphorous loadings from Holland Marsh.
Project Name: Holland Marsh Riparian Pilot Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved the planting of native trees and shrubs in riparian areas to reduce soil erosion and prevent phosphorus from entering the watercourses.
Project Name: Holland Marsh Riparian Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This is Phase two of the project and the focus is on communicating the benefits of Best Management Practices. Phase one saw the completion of a pilot project aimed at reducing erosion.
Project Name: Scanlon Creek Implementation
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves conducting fisheries and benthic studies, constructing a streambank stabilization demonstration project, erecting educational signage, and increasing community outreach.
Project Name: Scanlon Creek Watershed Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved developing a multi phase plan including the identification of demonstration projects that will illustrate to the Scanlon Creek users the best environmental management practices for the protection and enhancement of watercourses.
Projects Near Holland Landing
Project Name: Holland Marsh Riparian Pilot Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project created 1785 m2 of riparian habitat along the West Holland River to reduce sedimentation and phosphorus inputs into the watercourse.
Project Name: Holland Landing Riparian Planting Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved planting trees and shrubs to reduce soil erosion and decrease the amount of phosphorous entering the watercourse.
Projects Near Barrie
Project Name: Hotchkiss Creek Outlet to Kempenfelt Bay
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved stabilizing creek banks, planting native trees and shrubs, installing five fish habitat structures, and creating passive viewing areas for park users.
Project Name: Kidd's Creek Erosion Control Measures at Cundles Road
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: The goal of this project was to enhance aquatic habitat, improve the quality of storm runoff that drains from Kidd’s Creek into Lake Simcoe, and stabilize the creek banks and roadside slope.
Project Name: Kidd's Creek Tributary - West of Eccles Street
Project Proponent: City of Barrie
Description: This project involves improving flow in the tributary, increasing aquatic habitat, improving water quality, vegetating the banks with plants, and replacing storm pipe to provide greater ease for fish passage.
Project Name: Kidd's Creek Watercourse Improvements - Donald St. to Eccles St. at Henry St.
Project Proponent: City of Barrie
Description: This project involves creating an open channel in place of the existing culvert to avoid flooding, and improving the existing channel cross section through naturalization to improve aquatic habitat and water quality.
Project Name: Sophia Creek Erosion Control and Bank Stabilization from St. Vincent Street to Lay Street
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved removing silt from upstream of St. Vincent Street to Lay Street, as well as at the Grove Street East culvert crossing.
Projects Near York Region
Project Name: Adopt-A-Stream-Crossing Program
Project Proponent: Regional Municipality of York
Description: This project will coordinate the York Region community and school groups in planting trees and shrubs around streams at road crossings and on public property. The goal is to stabilize and revegetate streams using native species and to encourage the public to become stream stewards.
Project Name: Adopt-a-Stream Crossing Stewardship Program
Project Proponent: Regional Municipality of York
Description: This program coordinated the York Region community and school groups in planting trees and shrubs to increase forest and valley tree cover.
Project Name: Enhanced Rain Barrel Sales Program for residents of York Region in the Lake Simcoe Watershed
Project Proponent: Regional Municipality of York
Description: This project increased the sale of rain barrels in the Lake Simcoe watershed. The project provided an innovative approach to reducing urban and rural pollution.
Project Name: Controlling Unwanted Phosphorus and Pollution Entering Lakes
Project Proponent: Musselman's Lake Residence Association
Description: This project will reduce phosphorus and pollution from entering Lake Simcoe. The Residence Association will enhance rainwater management in the Musselman’s Lake drainage basin using a range of strategies such as bioengineering, infiltration trenches, micro wetlands, and public education.
Projects Near Beaverton
Project Name: Beaver River Erosion and Habitat Creation
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project created new habitat to arrest an ongoing erosion problem along 60 metres of riverbank.
Projects Near Simcoe County
Project Name: Bluff's Creek Water Quality Improvement Plan
Project Proponent: Kids for Turtles Environmental Education
Description: Kids for Turtles Environmental Education is an educational and outreach organization that works on field analysis, data collection and benthic studies to determine remediation activities.
Projects Near New market
Project Name: Bogart Creek Bank Stabilization Projects
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: These projects stabilized the banks by using bioengineering techniques such as installing river stone at the base of banks and conducting native plantings along the banks.
Project Name: D'arcy Creek Naturalization Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves rehabilitating priority habitats in order to restore the health of the aquatic ecosystem and coldwater fishery in Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Eastern Creek Bank Stabilization Project Southlake Regional Health Centre
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project stabilized the creek banks by using bioengineering techniques such as installing river stone along the toe and conducting native plantings along the banks and riparian area.
Project Name: Eastern Creek Streambank naturalization project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves undertaking a feasibility study to determine which options should be considered to restore the health of this aquatic ecosystem.
Project Name: Fairy Lake Wetlands creation project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves establishing a wetland through tree and shrub plantings and by installing stream bank buffers.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Near Shore Monitoring Program
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This program collected the information required to better understand, evaluate, manage, and potentially predict impacts or improvements in the nearshore zone.
Project Name: Storm Water Retrofit Using New Technology
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved retrofitting an existing Storm Water Pond by installing a sediment forebay and using Red Sand Filter Technology to increase overall phosphorus uptake.
Project Name: Water Quality Improvement with Restoration of Conservation Pond
Project Proponent: Mr. Rick Tidman
Description: This project will rebuild the original pond and set up vegetation buffer strips along the perimeter. Stabilizing the pond will improve the quality of water flowing into the Holland River, and ultimately, into Lake Simcoe.
Projects Near Brock Township
Project Name: Beaver River - Cameron Road Erosion and Habitat Creation
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves stabilizing 80m of riverbank, creating new habitat to encourage enhanced opportunities for small-mouth bass and perch spawning, and fencing off livestock.
Project Name: Beaver River Fisheries Enhancement and Erosion Control
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involves installing a new water crossing on a multi-use recreational trail to improve the health of the aquatic ecosystem in the Beaver River.
Project Name: Gordon Drain Manure Storage Management
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project created a new manure storage unit to reduce phosphorus release into the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Project Name: Talbot River Erosion and Habitat Creation
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: The Talbot River is a very important walleye spawning river within the Lake Simcoe watershed. This project involved creating new fish habitat.
Projects Near Atherly Narrows
Project Name: Flow Monitoring Enhancements - Atherly Narrows
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project filled the largest gap in the existing flow monitoring network across the Lake Simcoe basin.
West Holland River Subwatershed
Project Name: Holland Marsh Inner Canal: Phoslock Application to Reduce Phosphorus Loading
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: The continued use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides in the Holland Marsh over the years has resulted in an accumulation of phosphorus which is discharged to the Holland River. A two year pilot project to evaluate the product Phoslock demonstrated that Phoslock is a cost effective method to remove phosphorus. This project involves treating the inner Holland Marsh canal with Phoslock which will result in a large phosphorous reduction to the Holland River.
Projects Near East Gwillimbury
Project Name: Stormwater Management Retrofit using New Technology Holland River Boulevard, Town of East Gwillimbury
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This is a multiphase project. The first phase involved completing a feasibility study for the construction of a stormwater management pond with a sediment forebay and micro wetland. The study provided recommendations on design options and preliminary costs associated with these options.
Project Name: Stormwater Management Retrofit using New Technology Holland River Boulevard, Town of East Gwillimbury
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: The second phase of this project will involve the construction of a stormwater management pond in order to reduce the amount of phosphorous flowing into the East Holland River. It will also involve planting a riparian buffer around the perimeter of the stormwater management pond and installing educational signage adjacent to the pond.
Project Name: Stormwater Management Retrofit using New Technology Colony Trail, Town of East Gwillimbury
Project Proponent: Town of East Gwillimbury
Description: This project will retrofit urban run-off by installing a sediment forebay with a main cell and by using a micro-wetland. The micro-wetland will use native species downstream of the forebay to further filter out contaminants and increase overall phosphorus uptake. A planting buffer will also be installed to promote bank stability and improve water temperature through shading.
Project Name: Stormwater Management Master Plan (A Strategy to Address Urban Runoff using Site Controls and Innovative Stormwater Management Best Practices)
Project Proponent: Town of East Gwillimbury
Description: The first phase of this project involves digitizing information within urban areas and reviewing all existing and newly proposed site level urban Best Management Practices. Digital mapping layers and a report highlighting the site controls and innovative Best Management Practices will be developed. The second phase will involve using the information in Phase I to identify costs and benefits based on potential reductions in phosphorus loading per year. A report will be developed and will include Best Management Practices opportunities, cost estimates and phosphorus reduction estimates.
Projects Near Bradford and West Gwillimbury
Project Name: Scanlon Creek Watershed Project
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved developing a multi phase plan including the identification of demonstration projects that will illustrate to the Scanlon Creek users the best environmental management practices for the protection and enhancement of watercourses.
Project Name: Prairie Buffer Strip Establishment in the South Lake Simcoe Watershed
Project Proponent: Tallgrass Ontario Organization
Description: This project encourages the use of native tallgrass prairie buffer strips along natural creeks and rivers and drainage ditches in order to reduce the amount of non-point source run-off that enters the Lake Simcoe Watershed. A staff member will work with landowners, coordinate the signing of agreements, secure seed and physically plant the tallgrass prairie buffer strips.
Projects Near King Township
Project Name: Headwaters, coldwater and connectivity in the West Holland watershed - Happy Valley Forest to Pottageville Swamp corridor
Project Proponent: Nature Conservancy of Canada
Description: This project involves assessing aquatic habitat conditions and conservation priorities, championing and recognizing riparian restoration efforts, fostering land conservation through outreach activities, and expanding land securement in the study area.
Projects Near Innisfill
Project Name: Lindy Lane Channel Restoration
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project improved water quality through naturalization of the channel and the surrounding park area.
Project Name: Monitoring phosphorus load in stormwater runoff from major urban development project
Project Proponent: University of Guelph
Description: This project involves monitoring the phosphorus load in stormwater runoff from a new 700 hectare major housing development in the Town of Innisfil. It also develops new innovative designs and installation methods for soil erosion and sediment controls, together with improved inspection monitoring, maintenance and reporting protocols.
Project Name: Poplar Drive Channel Restoration and Park Naturalization
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved opening the channel to avoid direct drainage path in which phosphorus, sodium and other chemicals are directly discharged into Lake Simcoe.
Projects in various locations within the Lake Simcoe Watershed
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Community Stewardship Program – Enhanced
Project Proponent: Dufferin South Simcoe Land Stewardship Network
Environment Canada Contribution: $1 099 600
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: This project will address an increased number of landowner-identified shoreline restoration and erosion control projects, expand septic replacement and retrofit initiatives in under-serviced areas, and undertake non-point source best management projects on hobby and horse farm properties that are currently not eligible for funding under the Environmental Farm Plan program.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Farm Stewardship Program
Project Proponent: Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association
Environment Canada Contribution: $940,000
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: The purpose of this project is to increase the rate of on-the-ground Best Management Practices adopted by farmers in the Lake Simcoe watershed to help reduce phosphorus loadings to the lake and increase the overall protection and enhancement of the lake.
Project Name: Development of Best Management Practices to reduce nutrient loss from commercial sod production in Lake Simcoe region
Project Proponent: University of Guelph
Environment Canada Contribution: $248 500
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: This study will determine if there is a net loss of both organic and mineral soils from sod production throughout Ontario, potential nutrient loss due to surface or wind erosion as well as harvesting methods and which management practices, if any, are linked to differences in soil loss. The goal of the project is to develop Best Management Practices for sustainable sod production and attempt to correlate soil loss with nutrient loading into Lake Simcoe, in an effort to reduce phosphorus contamination in the region.
Project Name: Development of soil phosphorus testing methods for agronomic calibration and environmental risk assessment for muck soils
Project Proponent: University of Guelph
Environment Canada Contribution: $174 800
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: This study will develop two soil phosphorus testing methods for muck soils. One to predict soil phosphorus availability to crops, so that phosphorus loss can be minimized by maximizing soil and fertilizer phosphorus use efficiency, and the other for environmental risk assessment to predict soil phosphorus losses.
Project Name: Evaluation of Lake Simcoe Watershed Rainfall Characteristics and Phosphorus Loading – Phase 2
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Environment Canada Contribution: $52,000
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: This project will update rainfall analyses and compare results to phosphorus loading characteristics in order to develop strategies that will provide optimal phosphorus loading reduction for the amount of money invested. It will also support other ongoing studies, such as atmospheric phosphorus loading and related precipitation patterns.
Project Name: Examining the role of non-summer and nearshore processes in phosphorus dynamics and oxygen depletion in Lake Simcoe
Project Proponent: University of Waterloo
Environment Canada Contribution: $135 503
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: This study will determine the seasonal pattern of algal production, its relationship to oxygen and phosphorus cycling, and how rooted plants and attached mussels may affect phosphorus cycling and algal production. This work will complement two other ongoing studies of nutrients, oxygen, and biological processes in the lake and will allow agencies to better assess the effectiveness of phosphorus controls and develop strategies for site-specific protection and improvements.
Project Name: The feasibility of reducing water column phosphorus in Lake Simcoe by protecting sediment and benthic communities, in near shore areas, stormwater ponds and tributaries, against road salt impacts
Project Proponent: Trent University
Environment Canada Contribution: $159 950
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: Winter de-icing using salt and sand contributes significantly to watershed phosphorus loads. This project will determine the capacity of Lake Simcoe watershed sediments to take up and retain phosphorus from the water column under different levels of road salt stress. The project will also measure how sand and road salt are contributing to watershed phosphorus loads and identify methods to better manage these inputs and ultimately reduce their impacts on Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Impact of reduced tillage systems on phosphorus losses to surface waters
Project Proponent: University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus
Environment Canada Contribution: $162 470
Status: Announced in February 2011
Description: This study will evaluate the differences in the vertical distribution of soil phosphorus under different tillage systems, how this distribution affects potential phosphorus losses in runoff and the benefits of a modified no-till system to reduce losses of phosphorus from farm fields. This work will demonstrate the agricultural and environmental benefits of modified no-till systems.
Project Name: Sharing Opportunities for Lake Simcoe’s Stewardship (SOLSS)
Project Proponent: Centre for Community Mapping
Description: This project will integrate three existing stewardship project reporting websites, which will allow for improved tracking of stewardship projects and progress and enhancements to online data entry, reporting and security. This will enhance opportunities for communicating between the many stewardship organizations operating in the watershed, which will profile measurable successes and facilitate further collaboration between government partners, project sponsors and the general public.
Project Name: Addressing an information gap; monitoring the subsurface mobility of septic system phosphorus in the Lake Simcoe watershed
Project Proponent: University of Waterloo
Description: Detailed assessments will be conducted at a minimum of two septic sites per year over a two-year period. Monitoring will include collection of samples in the tile bed areas to measure the amount of phosphorus accumulation in the sediments and the installation of groundwater monitoring networks to establish the presence or absence of phosphorus plumes in the shallow groundwater zones around the tile beds. This project will estimate the fraction of total phosphorus capable of discharging to Lake Simcoe from tile beds.
Project Name: Environmental Risk Assessment and Adaptive Management Implementation in Lake Simcoe: A Bayesian Approach
Project Proponent: University of Toronto
Description: This project will incorporate existing information about the hydrodynamics, chemistry, and biology of Lake Simcoe, and will then use models that focus on the connections among phosphorus loading, sediment-water interactions and the plankton in Lake Simcoe in order to develop management strategies.
Project Name: Quantification of the internal phosphorus load in Lake Simcoe to improve phosphorus budgets
Project Proponent: York University
Description: This project will evaluate phosphorus in the Lake’s bottom sediment and its release to the water by using historical data and direct measurement of release from sediments in the laboratory. The study will assist in predicting phosphorus release rates under low oxygen conditions.
Projects Near Black River
Project Name: Wetland Ecological Goods and Services Valuation Project
Project Proponent: Ducks Unlimited Canada
Description: Utilizing the collaborative expertise of the University of Guelph and watershed partners, Ducks Unlimited Canada is conducting the research that will establish the environmental and economic values of wetlands at a watershed scale.
Watershed-wide Projects - Part 1
Project Name: Agricultural Resource Inventory (ARI)
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Description: This project involves reducing rural and urban non-point source pollution, rehabilitating fish habitat, and improving information and monitoring for decision making.
Project Name: Application and Further Development of a Watershed-based Phosphorus Flux Model (INCA-P) to the Lake Simcoe Sub-watersheds
Project Proponent: Trent University
Description: This project involves obtaining better quantitative information on phosphorous export from various land uses via rivers. The project also seeks to develop quantitative tools to evaluate land use management practices and their role in ameliorating nutrient influx.
Project Name: Assisting Management of the Lake Simcoe Watershed with Improved Phosphorus Models and Phosphorus Export Information
Project Proponent: Trent University
Description: This project involves testing and modifying existing models on phosphorus concentrations and collecting data on phosphorus export from agricultural fields to adjacent streams.
Project Name: Catchment Level Nutrient Management and Target Setting
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project examines nutrient contributions within subwatersheds at the catchment level. This information is critical to plan and prioritize areas for detailed investment and focus to control nutrients, restore degraded features and protect ecological and hydrological integrity in the Lake Simcoe basin.
Project Name: Cleaning Up Lake Simcoe - Interactive Online Database to Increase Public Uptake in Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund
Project Proponent: Ladies of the Lake Conservation Association
Description: This project is an innovative online database that profiles the progress being made by projects funded by the Lake Simcoe Clean Up Fund. Its goal is to strengthen the efficacy of the Fund and enhance all of its priority areas. It builds capacity, increases participation, stimulates uptake, is a forum where information about projects can be shared, and it showcases all projects in the context of "big picture" results.
Project Name: Community Stream Steward Program
Project Proponent: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Description: This project involves restoring, protecting and enhancing streams, rivers and adjacent lands by engaging and supporting local landowners and volunteers to develop community and individual capacity to be stewards of Ontario’s waterways for the long term.
Project Name: Community Stream Steward Program - Lake Simcoe Initiative
Project Proponent: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Description: This program restored, protected and enhanced streams, rivers and adjacent lands by engaging and supporting local landowners and volunteers to develop community and individual capacity to be stewards of Ontario’s waterways for the long term.
Project Name: Engineered Wetland-Phosphex Integration Program at Centre for Advanced Wastewater Treatment Advanced Engineered Wetlands Process to Remove Nutrients, etc Phase 1
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved constructing and operating an indoor pilot-scale facility to integrate two new technologies to improve the treatment of wastewater and stormwater in the Lake Simcoe area and elsewhere across Canada.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Agricultural Stewardship Program
Project Proponent: Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA)
Description: This project builds on existing cost share opportunities available for farmers who are implementing environmental Beneficial Management Practices related to septic systems and nutrient testing.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Basin BMP Inventory
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved developing a detailed inventory of best management practice opportunities within three key areas of the Lake Simcoe basin.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Basin BMP Inventory Phase II
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: The Lake Simcoe basin is large and subsequently there are a large number of Best Management Practice opportunities. This project includes completing a detailed inventory of Best Management Practice inventories within three key areas.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Rural and Community Stewardship Program
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Description: This project establishes an educational and incentive-based program that encourages rural, shoreline, and urban landowners to evaluate and address land and property management activities that may contribute to increased phosphorus and contaminant inputs into the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Septic System Funding Program
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This program involved developing a septic re-inspection program for properties within 300m of the Lake Simcoe lakeshore and within priority areas identified through the Provincial Drinking Source Water Protection Program.
Watershed-wide Projects - Part 2
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Shoreline Management Plan
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved developing a Shoreline Management Plan for the Lake Simcoe shoreline –the first holistic approach to managing and protecting this vital ecosystem.
Project Name: Management and Control of Atmospheric Sources of Phosphorus to Lake Simcoe
Project Proponent: University of Guelph
Description: This project involves undertaking a study whose main goals are to develop more accurate methods and estimates of the atmospheric deposition of phosphorous into Lake Simcoe, to quantify the contribution of local sources of atmospheric phosphorous, and to assess the cost-effectiveness of options for management and control of these local pollution sources.
Project Name: On Line Pond Removal - Justification and Inventory
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: On line ponds and dams and reservoirs are barriers to fish migration, typically result in increased water temperatures, and alter hydraulic and geomorphic processes in stream/river systems. This project provides an overview, literature review, and justification of the benefits of removing on line ponds and dams.
Project Name: Phosphorus Management in Polder Agriculture
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
Description: The Bradford, Holland, Colbar and Keswick marshes contain organic (muck soils) with a long history of fresh market vegetable production. Fertilization over the years has increased soil phosphorous levels and the potential for phosphorous loss. This project involves using a comprehensive approach to reduce the phosphorous loading from this non-point source, while maintaining or improving the profitability of this important, local vegetable production system.
Project Name: Predicting the Influence of Mixing Hydrodynamics and Food Web Structure on Spatial Variability of Phosphorus Concentrations in Lake Simcoe with a 3-D Model
Project Proponent: York University
Description: This project will look at the models used to predict average, long-term phosphorus concentrations and dissolved oxygen profiles. This will allow managers to focus more effectively on mitigation and restoration initiatives to achieve sub-watershed and whole lake water quality and fish community objectives.
Project Name: Reducing Phosphorous in Urban Stormwater Runoff With Low Impact Development
Project Proponent: University of Guelph
Description: This project involves quantifying the extent to which phosphorus loading from urban stormwater could be reduced through the use of LID (Low Impact development techniques).
Project Name: Riparian Analysis and Prioritization for Naturalization
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project involved conducting a riparian analysis to identify and prioritize restoration needs for degraded riparian segments and to prioritize stewardship initiatives.
Project Name: Sewage treatment Plants Optimization Guidance Manual
Project Proponent: Water Environment Association of Ontario
Description: This project involves conducting an evaluation of phosphorus-reducing technologies, methodologies and techniques. Results will be shared with dischargers, regulators and funding agencies to implement cost-saving control technologies for improved nutrient management.
Project Name: Stormwater Management Strategy to Address Uncontrolled Urban Areas Using Site Controls and Innovative Stormwater Best Management Practices
Description: This project involves reducing phosphorus inputs from urban sources, controlling point sources of pollution, and enhancing research and monitoring capacity to assist in decision making.
Project Name: Tracking System for Monitoring Invasive Species in the Lake Simcoe Basin
Project Proponent: Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
Description: This project involves creating a tracking system for monitoring invasive species in the Lake Simcoe Basin.
Project Name: Updating Critical Wetland Baseline Data for the Lake Simcoe Watershed
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Description: This project updates the critical wetland baseline data for the Lake Simcoe Watershed. This information will be used to identify, protect and restore high priority habitats.
Project Name: Water Reuse\Recycling Feasibility Analysis in the Lake Simcoe Watershed
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: This project undertakes three detailed analyses:
- Supply versus demand for non-potable water users.
- Infrastructure and associated costs needed to make a system work from the sewage treatment plant to the user.
- Potential user applications of treated effluent from irrigation to recharging aquifers under stress.
Project Name: Watershed Rainfall Characteristics vs Phosphorus Loading Project
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Description: This project determines the direct correlation between rainfall characteristics and phosphorous loading to provide strategic direction for the implementation of retrofits for existing storm-water management facilities and future treatment systems.
Project Name: Wetland and Riparian Restoration Project
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Description: This project increases natural wetland cover in the Lake Simcoe watershed to reduce phosphorus inputs and improve fish habitat.
Project Name: Phosphorus Control of Microbial and Primary Production
Project Proponent: Trent University
Description: This project will study the ecology of algae and microbes in Lake Simcoe. This will identify specific locations to be targeted for restoration plans.
Project Name: Storm Water Pond Maintenance / Efficiency, Aquatic Anoxia, and Potential for Phosphorus Release
Project Proponent: Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Description: Storm water ponds trap sediment and keep phosphorus and other pollutants out of our lakes. But these ponds need regular maintenance to work efficiently. This project will examine the current state of 115 storm water ponds and then come up with solutions to any problems related to phosphorus.
Project Name: Quantifying assimilative capacity of all tributaries to Lake Simcoe based on cumulative impacts to biological integrity
Project Proponent: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
Description : This project will use a standardized approach to rank and classify the assimilative capacity of all stream reaches in Lake Simcoe’s Watershed based on fish and benthos communities. This approach will provide specific target locations to focus restoration activities that will have the greatest impact on reducing phosphorus loading to Lake Simcoe.
Project Name: Identifying Linkages Between Headwater Drainage Feature Condition and Nutrient Transport
Project Proponent: Toronto Region Conservation Authority
Description : This project will develop and test a new protocol for evaluating the condition of headwater drainage features. Field crews will fill gaps in the knowledge and monitoring of the Lake Simcoe drainage network.
Project Name: Lake Simcoe Agri-Environmental Farm Club
Project Proponent: Ontario Federation of Agriculture
Description : This project will enable local farm sector ‘clubs’ to organize and take advantage of specialized technical and financial assistance to introduce agricultural Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) and discover innovative solutions to identified risks threatening the watershed.
Projects Near Gamebridge
Project Name: Zero-Discharge Onsite Wastewater Treatment Demonstration Site
Project Proponent: Centre for Sustainable Watersheds
Description: This project will install and monitor a demonstration zero-discharge onsite wastewater treatment system to show how it prevents the discharge of pollutants to surrounding ground and surface waters. The benefits of this system will be presented with appropriate signage at the site, along with handouts, brochures, web content, and a well-planned education and outreach program.
Lake Simcoe Cleanup Fund
The Lake Simcoe Clean-up Fund provides funding for priority clean up projects at the community, lake-wide or watershed-wide level. The projects are led by community organizations, land owners, non-government environmental groups, community groups, educational institutions, small and medium sized businesses, the provincial and municipal governments and the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority
Examples of funded projects include:
- Near-shore monitoring to better understand, evaluate, manage, and potentially predict impacts to Lake Simcoe’s near-shore zone;
- Research to improve methods for estimating the amount of phosphorous being deposited into the atmosphere;
- Collecting data on phosphorous inputs from rural and urban sources; and
- Projects that aim to rehabilitate priority habitats in order to restore the health of the aquatic ecosystem and the coldwater fishery.
Environment Canada administers the fund in consultation with Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the Province of Ontario, the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority and other key stakeholders.
Twice a year, Environment Canada has solicited input for projects to be funded. It was assisted by the Protect and Preserve the Environment of Lake Simcoe Committee (PROPEL), and a Technical Review Committee. The PROPEL Committee members were appointed by the Minister of the Environment on October 12, 2007, to advise on priority actions and funding recommendations.
The PROPEL Committee's goal was to help people and groups enhance the quality of Lake Simcoe and its watershed by recommending funding for projects that achieve measurable environmental improvement; improve floral and faunal ecosystems, lake-friendly "recreational" opportunities, urban and rural best management practices through physical remediation.
When created, the Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund planned to include eight rounds of funding and was set to expire on March 31, 2012. Due to the large number of project proposals received during Round 7, the Lake Simcoe Clean-Up Fund’s advisory committee recommended committing all the remaining funds to Round 7 project applicants. Consequently, there will be no Round 8 funding.
See details on funded projects .
