DETERMINATION 2025 – 2028
Our Strategic Plan
Our watershed is always changing, and so are we. As we build on the foundation of our 2022 – 2024 Strategic Plan, we continue to evolve while embracing new challenges, opportunities, and ways of working together with our valuable partners.
Our updated 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan reaffirms our commitment to a healthy lake, healthy land, and healthy life for future generations. It sharpens our focus on protecting communities from natural hazards, advancing science-based decision-making, inspiring action for nature, and strengthening our organization from the inside out. With resilience, responsibility, innovation, inclusivity, and optimism guiding our way, we are ready to meet the future head-on.
We know the path forward isn’t always easy. Climate change, population growth, and environmental pressures demand bold, coordinated action. But with the right strategies in place and a commitment to collaboration, we will continue to drive impact through action for the Lake Simcoe watershed and those who call it home.
This next chapter is about moving forward with determination. We will build on what we’ve accomplished, push further, and create positive impact on the communities we serve. Join us as we continue working toward a thriving watershed for generations to come.
Our Way Forward
Our Vision
Sustain a healthy lake, healthy land, and healthy life for future generations.
Our Mission
We collaborate to protect and restore the Lake Simcoe watershed with research, policies, and engagement driven action.
Our Values
Resilience
We face challenges and adversity by learning, adapting, and persevering to foster growth and stability.
Responsibility
We take responsibility by being accountable for our decisions and actions, by meeting our obligations and upholding honesty, integrity, and ethical standards in everything we do.
Innovation
We encourage and pursue advancements in science, technology, education, and communications because these are integral to success.
Inclusivity
We value and respect diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experience.
Optimism
We are confident that the work we do is having a positive impact now and for the future.
Strategic Directions
Strategic Direction One
Champion Watershed Health and Climate Resilience
We protect people, property, and drinking water sources, and implement nature-based solutions to better balance social, economic, and environmental needs.
1.1 People, property, and infrastructure are protected from natural hazards and healthy communities are supported through integrated planning, and flood forecasting and warning activities.
1.2 The quality and quantity of drinking water sources are protected through evidence-based technical review and our leadership of the Source Water Protection Program.
1.3 A climate resilient watershed is achieved through nature-based solutions that ensure biodiversity and the ecological function of rural, urban, and agricultural lands.
Strategic Direction Two
Drive Evidence-Based Decision-Making
We use environmental science, collaborative research, and data to inform and strengthen watershed management
2.1 Comprehensive leading-edge science and secure, open data improve adaptive management decisions and knowledge of watershed health.
Strategic Direction Three
Create Awareness and Spark Passion and Action for Nature
We protect, provide access, and inspire action for nature, through leading edge education programming, outdoor opportunities, and communications.
3.1 Authority-owned lands are managed to provide ecological and human health benefits.
3.2 Watershed communities consider us a trusted and transparent organization and are aware of our organization’s purpose, programs, and services.
3.3 Target audiences are engaged and educated to take action for watershed health.
Strategic Direction Four
Advance Organizational Effectiveness and Excellence
We execute innovative and efficient business practices to effectively achieve our goals and objectives.
4.1 Proactive fiscal management and mutually beneficial partnerships support sustainable operations.
4.2 Internal and external clients receive excellent service and have their diverse needs met.
4.3 Modernized business practices support continuous improvement and a commitment to environmental sustainability.
Strategic Direction Five
Nurture People and Talent
We promote a workplace culture that is welcoming, engaging, and collaborative.
5.1 Skilled talent, that shares our vision, is attracted, retained and has opportunities for professional growth and development.
5.2 Employees feel valued and work together to foster a safe, healthy, and inclusive workplace.
5.3 Staff are highly engaged and have the technical resources, knowledge, and collaborative opportunities to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.
Evaluating our Impact
Our updated 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan will be reviewed and evaluated on an annual basis publicly as well as through a formal report to our Board of Directors.
Join us
We don’t manage the watershed alone. We rely on a multitude of partners to make our vision of a Healthy lake, healthy land, healthy life… for generations to come even possible!
If you live, work or play in the Lake Simcoe Watershed, you are part of the solution moving forward. Join us as we embark on this next chapter together.
One way to stay in touch is to sign up to “Buzz”, our quarterly newsletter, or engage with us on our social media channels.