Watersheds Canada’s October 6th webinar starts a new wave of local lakeside leadership

Leading up to, and following the October 24th Ontario municipal election, Watersheds Canada will help bring rural waterfront communities together for an interactive webinar on what’s on every lakeshore property owners’ mind these days – how are we going to protect natural freshwater features in the wake of climate change and increased shoreline developments? “By the time the docks are in, and the municipal election ballots are counted, Watersheds Canada intends to reach thousands of ... Read More

August 25, 2022, 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 ... Read More

The Board of Directors of Watersheds Canada (WC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Robert Pye as our new Executive Director effective August 8th, 2022. Robert joins Watersheds Canada after 25 years with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH) where he was responsible for business strategies in his most recent role as a senior director.  “Robert’s natural resources background, management expertise, and organizational growth mindset positions WC to respond to the ... Read More

July 5, 2022, Greater Sudbury, Ontario – Families and individuals living across Greater Sudbury have access to new resources to connect with local nature and freshwater areas. Thanks to generous funding from TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, Watersheds Canada and Junction Creek Stewardship Committee have launched a lending library program with the Greater Sudbury Public Library. Thirty Ontario-curriculum linked Backpacks are now available for rental. Each Backpack contains activities ... Read More

July 5, 2022, Cornwall, Ontario – Shoreline habitat restorations are well underway across the St. Lawrence River Area of Concern, with local partners Watersheds Canada, Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, River Institute, Great River Network, and Raisin Region Conservation Authority on track to restore 3-kilometres of shoreline habitat between 2021 and 2024. Generously funded by the Great Lakes Protection Initiative – Areas of Concern (AOC) Program by Environment and Climate Change Canada, this ... Read More

Perth, ON, June 29, 2022 – A recent stewardship and education event for Thousand Islands property owners showed them how the actions they take on their properties can directly protect their river’s health. Neighbours and property owners attended a planting demonstration workshop on June 2, 2022 to learn about the many benefits of having a naturalized shoreline. Attendees could then immediately put that information into practice as they helped plant 138 native plants on two properties. In just ... Read More

An Online Workshop to discuss Municipal-Indigenous Relationships and Freshwater Protection Join us for a collaborative and interactive workshop, Sustainable Waterfront Planning Through Reconciliation on Thursday June 16th, 2022, from 1:00-2:30pm EST as a free online webinar. Our survey of nearly 70 Municipal Councillors and Planners across Ontario found that most municipalities are satisfied with their level of consultations with the public. But when asked about their relationships with ... Read More

After 10 years as Executive Director, Barbara King has decided to move over to a different role at Watersheds Canada. Barbara will move to a part-time Director of Community Partnerships and Programs once we have found our next leader. “I am excited to have a little more time with my busy teens while continuing my work with all the amazing partners and people that have made the last 10 years such a positive experience", says Barbara. "Thank you to all of you that have walked with me and shared ... Read More

To make informed decisions around waterfront development proposals, stormwater management plans and environmental impact studies are often used to communicate the impacts of development from a western science perspective. But how about Indigenous science? The Planning For Our Shorelands project is proud to present this collaborative and interactive workshop aimed at breaking down barriers and familiarizing local decision-makers and the public with Indigenous relations to land and water. ... Read More

Perth, ON, April 12, 2022 – A two-year project to benefit the Pugnose Shiner in the Quinte watershed is winding down, but the impacts of the project will continue for years to come. This community-led effort included many different components to benefit the Pugnose Shiner, other wildlife, and overall freshwater quality in the Quinte watershed. One focus area of the project was West Lake. Participating local residents received education and stewardship materials, shoreline restorations using ... Read More