Welcome to the Watersheds Canada Resource Library!
Here you will find a comprehensive collection of free educational resources dedicated to helping rural shoreline property owners, families, municipalities, lake groups, and educators protect their lakes and restore natural habitat. Explore guides, best practices, case studies, lesson plans, and tools to become a freshwater protector. All resources are freely shareable so please include them in a newsletter, on social media, or printed for a community booth!
Funding support thanks to Peterborough K.M. Hunter Charitable Foundation, and S.M. Blair Family Foundation.
History of Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) in Canadian Waters
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, have a long history in Canadian waters, dating back approximately 2.7 billion years. These ancient organisms played a crucial role in shaping Earth's ecosystem, but their ability to produce toxic cyanotoxins has led to a bad reputation. Cyanobacteria occur naturally in most water bodies, but large blooms can cause significant harm to aquatic life and human health. Read more in this blog post!
Let Us Prioritize Freshwater this Ontario Election Season!
This blog post was written prior to the 2022 Ontario provincial election. It emphasizes the importance of this particular election for freshwater health, inspiring voters to get informed and take to the polls to make their voices heard to influence freshwater health. It also provides the top 5 questions we think property owners should ask their municipal candidates to get a sense of how they value freshwater stewardship.
Maintaining your Septic System
Maintaining a septic system is crucial to prevent costly repairs and environmental damage. Improperly treated wastewater can contaminate groundwater and aquatic ecosystems, posing significant health risks. To ensure a septic system functions properly, it's essential to choose the right type of system for your home, considering factors such as size, household needs, and budget. Learn more in this blog post!
Overview of Canadian policies for the protection of Ontarios freshwater ecosystems
The document provides an overview of Canadian policies for the protection of Ontario's freshwater ecosystems. It discusses the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA), Ontario's Clean Water Act, Ontario's Fisheries Act, and the Code of Practice by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC). The policies aim to address road salt pollution, which poses a significant risk to aquatic life and water quality. The document highlights the strengths and weaknesses of each policy and guideline, and emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to address the challenge of road salt pollution.
Resilient Shorelands Infographic
The Shoreline is the edge where the land and water meet. The mix of plants, shrubs, and trees form an intricate web of roots, foliage, and fallen limbs that hold the waterfront together and fend off erosion from wind, rain, boat wakes and ice. The Riparian Zone, also known as the Ribbon of Life, extends inland from the shoreline for at least 15 metres and may be flooded during high water periods. It is a natural buffer protecting the shoreline, water quality, and natural habitat both on land and in the water.
Septic System Starter
Installing and maintaining a septic system is crucial to prevent devastating consequences for freshwater ecosystems. This blog post provides tips on funding, designing, and installing a septic system, including exploring various funding options, selecting the right type of system, and understanding the permitting process.
Sustainable Waterfront Planning Through Reconciliation with Kerry Ann Charles and Abraham Francis
This document provides information on sustainable waterfront planning through reconciliation. It highlights various resources and initiatives. The document is a guide for inquiries and further learning. It is delivered in partnership with other organizations.
The Consequences of Cyanobacteria on Freshwater Ecosystems
Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are having a significant impact on freshwater ecosystems in Canada due to their rapid reproduction and production of toxic compounds. These organisms can cause a range of effects on our native wildlife, from reduced survival and swimming movements to impaired reproduction and population growth. Read more about this issue in this blog post!
The Future of Our Shores Report
The document is a survey conducted by the Daniel & Susan Gottlieb Foundation to understand the attitudes and practices of stakeholders regarding shoreland stewardship. The survey aims to identify the barriers and challenges faced by stakeholders in implementing shoreland stewardship practices. The results of the survey provide insights into the level of awareness, knowledge, and engagement of stakeholders in shoreland stewardship. The survey also highlights the importance of education, knowledge, and understanding of shoreland stewardship practices among stakeholders. The document provides a comprehensive overview of the survey results, including the responses of various stakeholders, such as property owners, contractors, and government officials.