W
e have just a few weeks of summer left to enjoy the more than 330 beautiful lakes in Greater Sudbury.
The great water quality we enjoy is something many of us take for granted. We don’t realize that behind scenes, many people are working hard to ensure our lakes are healthy and remain that way.
In fact, everyone has a role to play in protecting the water quality of our lakes. The concept is called lake stewardship; it’s about collectively taking care of our lakes to keep them healthy so they can be enjoyed by future generations.
We are incredibly grateful for the invaluable work being done by Lake Stewardship Groups across the city to protect our lakes.
There are currently 28 active groups that are recognized by the City of Greater Sudbury.
“The Lake Stewardship Groups play a crucial role in protecting and enhancing the health of lakes. Ideally, we would like to see a Lake Stewardship Group for each lake,” says Amanda Poulin, Lake Water Quality Program Coordinator.
The City’s Lake Water Quality Program was formed in 2001, with the goal to improve and protect the quality of the community’s surface water. This is accomplished by monitoring lake water quality and encouraging community engagement through lake stewardship groups and volunteer help from residents.
To monitor a number of water and shoreline quality parameters, and to address any problems as they arise, the City works collaboratively with other divisions, government agencies, lake stewardship groups and individual residents.
The City recognizes the essential role Lake Stewardship Groups play by promoting the creation of these groups and supporting their environmental actions through a grant.
What does a Lake Stewardship Group typically do? Residents who live around lakes:
- Advocate for local lakes and raise awareness of any lake issues in the community;
- Develop a communications network for lake issues;
- Hold fundraising events;
- Gather information, educational materials and collect data on a range of lake concerns;
- Get a historical perspective from long-time residents;
- Network with other lake organizations.
Lake monitoring programs are a key component of the work many residents and Lake Stewardship Groups do. They collect valuable information that enhances our understanding of various lakes’ ecosystems.
There are several lake monitoring programs that you can join:
- Lake Partner Program
- Canadian Lakes Loon Survey
- Nature Watch
- The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
- Invading Species Detection Program
Interested residents are encouraged to start a Lake Stewardship Group or join an existing one. A full list of active groups can be found on our Lake Stewardship page.
Lake Stewardship Grant Program
The City of Greater Sudbury offers funding of up to $500 for projects that qualify through its grant program. In order to receive funding, projects must benefit the water quality of the lake and/or watershed and demonstrate the support and involvement of lake stewardship members, other lake residents or community members.
“The number of applications has remained roughly the same since 2020, with 2023 seeing 15 applications. We would like to see more applications, as these projects are an excellent way to raise awareness and bring communities together,” says Poulin.
In 2024, the City’s Lake Stewardship Grant Program received 11 applications for funding. All 11 of the applications were approved and the groups received funding in the form of cash grants.
Some of the successful project applications this year included:
- A shoreline cleanup effort from the Ironside Lake Campers Association;
- A Plant and Seed Swap Event from the Four Lakes Community Association;
- A hazardous waste/scrap metal cleanup event at Lake Panache;
- Septic pump-out rebate programs at Kukagami Lake and Lake Wahnapitae.
For groups who are considering applying for funding, Poulin has some advice. “Please ensure that the project follows the guidelines outlined in the application package. We will be updating the application and guidelines this year, so please stay informed of any changes,” she says. “As always, applications will be distributed to our Lake Stewardship Group contact list via email and will be posted on the City’s website.”
Septic tank pump-outs and other projects
“Pumping septic tanks regularly is very important for lake health”, says Poulin, who is especially pleased to see septic rebate projects proposed.
“Many people may not realize the importance of regularly maintaining their septic systems,” she noted. “It’s recommended to pump the septic system every 3-5 years, depending on its size and usage. This is particularly crucial for those living near a lake, as reducing nutrient runoff can help prevent algae growth and other adverse effects on a lake’s ecosystem.”
“Some Lake Stewardship Groups offer an annual septic pump-out contest to cover the costs of the pump-out for one lakeside residence. This contest helps raise awareness of the importance of regular septic system maintenance. Educating the community about lake health is vital, and we’re happy to see all the projects funded by the grant effectively achieving this goal.”
“This year features many outstanding projects, including septic pump-out rebates, educational barbecues, door-to-door canvassing to distribute information pamphlets, community-building activities such as monitoring, shoreline cleanups, collecting household hazardous waste and hosting community seed swaps. These events provide valuable knowledge to the community and unite everyone with the common goal of maintaining healthy lakes,” says the coordinator. “The projects are inspiring—keep up the excellent work!”
What can waterfront residents do to help?
Make sure you are maintaining your septic system regularly.
Do not store hazardous waste on your property. Rather, take advantage of the toxic taxi.
Make sure you are following the lawn fertilizer By-Law.
Create a healthy shoreline by planting a shoreline buffer strip of native plants such as trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses, removing invasive species, maintain a natural lawn and by not removing any snags or driftwood.
Each year, the City of Greater Sudbury’s Lake Water Quality Program samples spring phosphorus with the province’s Lake Partner Program. For more information, contact the Lake Water Quality Program at 705-674-4455, extension 4604, or send an email to [email protected].
If you are interested in joining a Lake Stewardship Group, reach out to Amanda Poulin at [email protected].
Learn more about the City of Greater Sudbury and its commitment to reducing greenhouse gases and helping the community achieve its net-zero goal by 2050.
If you have a project you’d like the City to highlight, contact Jennifer Babin-Fenske at [email protected].
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES