Lake Management Planning in the City of Kawartha Lakes

Plan Development

A multi-phased approach

Using a multi-phased approach, we are initiating new lake management plans each year, while continuing with the plans initiated previously. This approach allows us to use our resources more effectively.

We began the Sturgeon Lake Management Plan in 2010 and initiated plans for Balsam and Cameron in 2011. We will initiate a plan for Pigeon Lake in 2012, and then other lakes within the City in 2013.

Each plan involves 3 years of intensive research with the completion of the plan itself in year 4. Afterwards, implementation of the recommendations begins. This includes targeted actions on the landscape, which will help reduce contaminant and nutrient inputs from urban, agricultural, and shoreline sources; education and the mobilization of watershed residents to take personal stewardship actions; and updates to Official Plan policies and strategic plans which help address lake issues.

Lake management planning in the City of Kawartha Lakes is a collaboration by community partners. Click here for more about our partners.

 

Planning Objectives

For each of the plans, we are working toward the following objectives.

Research

1. Develop and implement a comprehensive water quality and quantity sampling network, according to approved scientific protocols
2. Identify water quality threats and potential hotspots requiring remedial action
3. Develop a greater understanding of the lake and its watershed, including its current state, thereby providing a basis for evaluating trends and future impacts
4. Maintain ongoing monitoring and research

Protection and Enhancement

5. Protect and improve water quality in the lake and its tributaries for all uses, including as a source of drinking water
6. Design and implement management activities to achieve Provincial Water Quality Objectives for all lake tributaries and the lake itself, including public beaches
7. Use research findings to influence municipal Official Plan policies, by-laws and other strategic planning documents within the City of Kawartha Lakes to ensure a supportive planning policy framework that helps protect the lake and watershed
8. Promote sustainable human activities and natural resources management, which protect and enhance overall watershed and lake health, with a focus on shoreline protection, water supplies and level management, Species at Risk, and other land and water stewardship measures

Partnerships

9. Develop and coordinate the necessary partnerships with volunteer organizations and partner agencies to effectively collaborate on all aspects of the planning process and subsequent plan implementation
10. Foster community participation in the project and an understanding of the lake and its natural and historic/cultural heritage