November 28, 2023 – “One Shoreland at a Time: Restoring the Ribbon of Life”
To protect Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and increase the resiliency of waterfront communities in the face of climate change, nature-based solutions and community-led action are needed. Join Watersheds Canada staff as they explore programs and toolkit resources that you can use to start nature-based programs in your community and protect the lakes and rivers you love in the wake of the climate crisis.
November 27, 2023 – “Building Resilient Shorelands: How to take positive land use action in a changing environmental and legislative climate”
To protect Ontario’s freshwater ecosystems and increase the resiliency of waterfront communities in the face of climate change, Watersheds Canada has created a free policy toolkit through its Planning for our Shorelands program. This toolkit contains education and action resources for municipal decision-makers, Conservation Authorities, freshwater stakeholders, and the public. During this session, you will discover the science behind vegetated buffers, strategies for achieving environmental net gain at the waterfront, shoreline planting restoration templates, and other resources promoting sustainable development along waterfront lands. This webinar will conclude with a special announcement to bring new opportunities for lake stewards and volunteers.
October 27, 2023 – “How can nature-based solutions and technology help Canadians protect their freshwater”
This special presentation was a part of the St. Lawrence River Institute’s 30th annual symposium.
November 28, 2022 – “The Science Behind the Ribbon of Life: Why Vegetated Shoreline Buffers Matter”
Join us as we discuss the scientific literature supporting the restoration and maintenance of native shoreland vegetation.
October 6, 2022 – “Engaging Municipal Elected Officials to Protect our Freshwater”
This interactive webinar covers what is on every lakeshore property owner’s mind these days – how are we going to protect natural freshwater features in the wake of climate change and increased shoreline developments? Walk away with the top 5 questions you should ask your elected officials to see if freshwater protection is their priority.
June 16, 2022 – “Sustainable Waterfront Planning Through Reconciliation”
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?
Webinar resources
The workshop was developed as a partnership between Abraham Francis (Mohawk Council of Akwesasne – Environment Program) and Kerry-Ann Charles (Cambium Indigenous Professional Services).
June 14, 2022 – “Healthy Shorelines, Healthy Lakes: Municipal Planning Tools to Protect our Freshwater”
Sustainable land use planning is key to protecting the health and enjoyment of Ontario’s lakes and rivers. A natural, resilient, and low impact method of buffering adjacent water bodies from the impacts of waterfront development is the planting of native vegetation along the shoreline. Municipal councillors, planners, and waterfront associations are invited to join us as we discuss the scientific benefits of natural shorelines and different policy and planning tools available to municipalities aimed at protecting and maintaining vegetative shoreline buffers. Municipal case studies will also be featured to learn what select municipalities are doing now.
Workshop resources
The workshop was developed as a partnership between Cataraqui Conservation, Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA), Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), Parks Canada, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and Watersheds Canada.
November 17, 2021 – “Planning Tools for Shoreline Protection: The Community Planning Permit System”
Shoreline protection in municipalities is best achieved through appropriate land use planning tools. In Ontario, the community planning permit system is a land use planning tool that municipalities can use for environmental protection. Melissa’s experience with this tool will demonstrate how municipalities can achieve an appropriate balance between natural shorelines and physical structures.
Webinar resources
March 13, 2021 – “Planning For Our Shorelands: A resource to help conserve the Ribbon of Life in Ontario’s Municipalities”
Planning for our Shorelands is a collaborative project bringing together expert planners, scientists, and lake stewards from across Ontario. Its objective is to provide meaningful best-management practice resources and ‘shoreland networking’ opportunities for those who influence Ontario’s lakes and rivers. In this free webinar, we present on the importance of lake and river shoreland ecosystems, share results from a series of surveys which gauge the current state of shoreland stewardship and land-use in Ontario.