What does the More Homes Built Faster Act (2022) mean for Waterfront Communities?

After 39 days of intense opposition from taxpayers and organizations, Bill 23 was passed by the Ontario Legislature on November 28, 2022. In fact, Bill 23 became Ontario law as Watersheds Canada hosted its largest ever audience for the "Science Behind the Ribbon of Life: Why Vegetated Shoreline Buffers Matter" webinar, sharing our expertise in waterfront naturalization and sustainable development to over 400 registrants. Despite the unprecedented demonstration of unity and ambition for ... Read More

Threats to freshwater ecosystems and waterfront residents are growing in intensity and regularity across Canada, requiring solutions that are informed by science. Thankfully, there is a wealth of scientific evidence that vegetated shoreland buffers can mitigate pollution, prevent shoreline erosion, create wildlife habitat, and strengthen resilience to the impacts of climate change. Watersheds Canada is excited to announce the release of another insightful report as part of the Planning for ... Read More

Save more shorelands faster is the priority missing in the Ford government’s “More Homes Built Faster” Act, Bill 23. The Bill supports the Ontario government’s plan to immediately build 1.5 million new homes by 2031 by bringing in changes to ten provincial Acts, some of which have been key to addressing waterfront development, the protection of freshwater, as well as upholding taxpayer’s rights to stand up for a healthy and sustainable environment. The Bill’s rationale is to increase the ... Read More

Westport, Ontario – Members of the Farren Lake Property Owners Association (FLPOA) and their families knew fish homes were disappearing on their lake and that they had to take action. “Our cottage has been in the family for 58 years, since the mid 1960’s,” says Paul Seidl, FLPOA Board member (Director). “I have practically grown up on Farren Lake. Over the years, the lake has seen an increase in shoreline development. Many cottagers remove debris from their shoreline area not understanding ... Read More

Save more shorelands faster is the priority missing in the Ford government’s “More Homes Built Faster” Act, Bill 23.  The Bill supports the Ontario government’s plan to immediately build 1.5 million new homes by 2031 by bringing in changes to ten provincial Acts, some of which have been key to addressing waterfront development, the protection of freshwater, as well as upholding taxpayer’s rights to stand up for a healthy and sustainable environment.  The Bill’s rationale is to increase the ... Read More

Newly added native plants on the shores of the Morrisburg Waterfront Park will make the area more welcoming for local residents and the wildlife who utilize this ‘ribbon of life’. Shoreline ecosystems, or riparian zones, are especially valuable habitat for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife. The shoreline area includes the first 30-metres of land around a freshwater body. It is considered the ‘ribbon of life’ because it supports 70% of land-based wildlife and 90% of aquatic species at some ... Read More

What is the Ribbon of Life and why is it essential to the health and sustainable use of waterfront properties? The 'Ribbon of Life' is the natural shield protecting our freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams. It is what mitigates erosion, protecting the beauty and property values of waterfront properties. It is a haven for wildlife. It is a key natural feature increasing resilience to climate change for people and wildlife. Watersheds Canada’s survey of nearly 200 Ontario freshwater ... Read More

Are you starting to think about your Christmas and holiday shopping? Want your gifts to make a local impact for your lakes, rivers, and shorelines? This year, we have four new symbolic adoptions available that help freshwater ecosystems and the species that call these areas home!                                          Adopt an Otter                                                                                                  Adopt a Wild Columbine                                       ... Read More

November 1, 2022, Renfrew, Ontario – They say good things come to those who wait, and the walleye on Muskrat River have certainly done their share of waiting. Since 2000, the Muskrat River in Renfrew County, Ontario has seen various stages of rehabilitation completed to help the once thriving walleye population. Most notably, stones were added to the spawning bed under Ministry of Natural Resources direction. In recent years, the Muskrat River suffered a flooding event which silted out the ... Read More