Healthy Water Award
The Healthy Water Award is presented to individuals and groups who have completed a project that improves, supports or protects the water quality in the Lake Simcoe watershed. Projects could include stormwater management, water conservation, streambank and shoreline restoration or stabilization, low impact development techniques and source water protection.
2024 Nominations are now closed.
The Healthy Water award was presented to the following recipients in 2024:
City of Barrie
The City of Barrie completed a retrofit at the Currie Street Stormwater Facility and Sophia Creek to improve water quality and habitat. The project added a forebay and main cell to the stormwater pond, enhancing sediment and pollutant removal before water flows to Kempenfelt Bay and Lake Simcoe. An oil grit Separator was installed to treat runoff from nearby commercial properties. Sophia Creek was extended by 73 metres, improving habitat and natural buffers. These improvements enhance the local stream system by significantly reducing sediment transport and phosphorus levels by nearly 60 kg annually and included the planting of 1,679 trees, shrubs, and aquatic plants.
Ron Bisaillon (Bradford West Gwillimbury)
Ron Bisaillon, president of Filtrexx Canada, donated time and equipment to prepare an Erosion and Sediment Control Training area at the Scanlon Creek Conservation Area. This site was cleared of concrete rubble and wood debris, graded with existing material and imported material, and shaped into two sloped hills with swales. These features are used to demonstrate erosion and sediment control products, teaching participants how to prevent pollutants from entering water systems, manage stormwater runoff, and improve water infiltration.
Town of Aurora
The Town of Aurora is improving its waterways, ecosystems, access to nature, and wildlife habitat through bioengineering projects aimed at preventing erosion and reducing phosphorus from entering Lake Simcoe. These efforts protect streambanks, local trail systems, and landowners from damage caused by frequent precipitation events. Key projects include Willow Farm Lane (cascading pools were added to slow water flow and prevent erosion, with trees and shrubs planted for long-term stabilization), Jones Court (creek banks were reinforced, and cobblestone habitats were created to improve water quality), Devlin Place (a stormwater pond was restored and creek realignment was implemented to reduce erosion and flooding risks), Henderson Drive Wildlife Passage (a new culvert and wildlife fencing were installed to ensure safe wildlife passage and reduce road collisions).
York Region & Town of Newmarket (Newmarket)
York Region, in partnership with the Town of Newmarket and the Conservation Authority, restored a 60-metre section of Western Creek to protect nearby infrastructure, including sanitary sewers. The project located behind the Tannery Mall, involved stabilizing the creek, an unstable and very flashy urban stream. Enhancements included pools, riffles, and vortex weirs to improve water flow. Vegetated rock buttresses were installed for streambank stabilization, and over 500 native trees and shrubs were planted to support the restoration.
Who to Contact
Katarina Zeppieri
✆ 905-895-1281 x 116
✆ 1-800-465-0437 Toll free
✉ k.zeppieri@lsrca.on.ca
Award nominations
2024 Nominations are now Closed.