Offsetting Projects
Offsetting Projects
Our offsetting policies address loss of natural heritage features (ecological offsetting), groundwater recharge deficit (water balance offsetting) and post development phosphorus loads (phosphorus offsetting), which are all the result of development within the watershed. These policies are here to offset losses or impacts to the environment and are implemented by Planning and Development staff through review of applications made under the Planning Act. Each policy uses a tiered approach; avoid, minimize, mitigate and compensate. Below are the projects we have completed to date under each of the policies.
Ecological Offsetting
Our Ecological Offsetting Policy was approved by the Board of Directors in 2017. This policy was developed to address the loss of natural heritage features and their associated vegetation protection zones. The primary key performance indicators for ecological offsetting projects are total natural heritage restored, wetland and woodland area restored, and area acquired/protected.
Subwatershed: Innisfil Creeks
Total Trees Planted: 247
Total Area Restored: 1.5 hectares
Funding Partners:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Restoration Funding
Total Amount of Funding: $243,137.00
Subwatershed: East Holland
Total Trees Planted: 66
Total Treed Area Planted: 1 hectare
Total Shrubs Planted: 396
Total Herbaceous Plants planted: 1020
Total Area Restored: 2.3 hectares
Funding Partners:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
- Restoration Funding
- Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund
Total Amount of offsetting Funding: $527,174.69
Total Amount of Funding: $586,374.69
Subwatershed: Innisfil Creeks
Total Trees and Shrubs Planted: 4355
Total Area Restored: 2.05 hectares
Funding Partners: Ecological Offsetting Funding Only
Total Amount of Offsetting Funding $ 26,519.00
In 2019, in partnership with the Town of Innisfil, we planted 525 trees and shrubs on 0.33 hectares of property surrounding a stormwater management pond near the works department. In addition, we planted 1.72 hectares of an old farm with approximately 3,800 seedlings. This project will help reduce phosphorus by approximately 1.435 kilograms per year.
A variety of seedlings were planted that are best suited for the local conditions, including coniferous species such as Norway spruce, white pine, and white cedar. These species prefer full or partial sun and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. Since the soil moisture on the site varies but tends to be wetter, they are the perfect fit. However, to ensure there was enough diversity a few deciduous trees were planted including silver maple and trembling aspen. We plan to expand the existing forest cover in the near future to incorporate an additional woodland.
Subwatershed: Innisfil Creeks
Total Plants Planted: 1220
Total Area Planted: 1.35 hectares
Area seeded: 0.2 hectares
Total Area Restored: 2 hectares
Funding Partners:
- Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Simcoe County Trees
- Restoration Funding
Total Amount of Offsetting Funding: $88,186
Total Amount of Funding: $112,975.07
Subwatershed: East Holland
Total Trees and Shrubs Planted: 2042
Total Wetland Area: 0.2 hectares
Total Area Planted: 1.7 hectares
Total Area Restored: 2 hectares
Funding Partners:
- Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
- Restoration Funding
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans
- Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry
- Toronto Dominion Friends of the Environment Foundation
Total Amount of Offsetting Funding: $70,326.04
Total Amount of Funding: $344,611.66
Subwatershed: West Holland
Total Tree Planted: 1500
Total Area Planted: 0.765 hectares
Funding Partners:
- Ecological Offsetting
- Simcoe County Tree Planting Program
- Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Total Amount of Offsetting Funding: $2,015.29
Total Amount of Funding: $3,765.00
Scanlon Creek Conservation Area is one of LSRCA’s largest and most visited conservation areas in our watershed. Its mission is to demonstrate leadership in the conservation of the natural environment and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature. Our goal to continue to expand the greenspace at Scanlon is slowly being accomplished. We have planted 1500 trees in 0.765-hectare area that will mitigate climate change effects, increase biodiversity, and protect species at risk. The large planting also added considerable forest cover to an already existing woodlot, increasing wildlife habitat.
Our Adapting Forestry Programs to Climate Change Strategy recommends we plant trees from a variety of seed zones to adapt to our changing climate. For this area white pine was identified as the perfect fit, after the first year we saw a survival rate of approximately 90%. Staff will continue to monitor the survival rate in the coming years.
Subwatershed: East Holland River
Total Tree planted: 1,717 trees
Total Treed Area Planted: 0.793 ha
Total Shrubs planted: 14 shrubs
Total area Restored: 0.793 ha
Funding Partners:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Municipality of York Region – Grow Your Legacy
- Metrolinx
Total Amount of EOP Funding: $57,770.66
Total Amount of Grant Funding: $72,819.83
Project Description:
The East Holland River flows through the Town of Newmarket and the Town of East Gwillimbury before heading north towards Lake Simcoe. There were some areas of the riparian corridor that were lacking trees and shrubs and had relatively low biodiversity. These corridors provide critical habitat and connections for wildlife movement.
The East Holland River Buffer Planting Project enhanced the overall natural heritage and biodiversity of the riparian buffer by planting over 1,715 trees and 14 shrubs along 840 m of the river. The project included site preparation (provided by the municipalities as in-kind), planting with protective measures, maintenance and monitoring. Local community volunteers, including the Newmarket Scouts, assisted with mulching and installing tree guards in the fall of 2022. The trees were marked with pin flags and will be monitored and maintained over the years. A total area of 0.753 ha was planted along the river to help restore the terrestrial habitat along the East Holland River.
Subwatershed: Innisfil Creeks
Stream Length Restored: 280m
Total Treed Area Planted: 1 hectares
Total Wetland Area – .5 hectares
Total Trees Planted: 640 trees
Total Shrubs planted: 1570 shrubs
Total Stakes Planted: 4470
Other Habitat Structures: 5 wetland pockets, 22 pool and riffle sequences, 4 basking logs
Total area Restored: 1.2 hectares
Funding Partners:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Town of Innisfil
Total Amount of EOP Funding: $115,000
Total Amount of Grant Funding: $115,000
Subwatershed: East Holland River
Total Tree planted: 750
Total Treed Area Planted: 0.40 hectares
Total Shrubs planted: 0
Total area Restored: 0.40 hectares
Tree species:
- White Pine
- White Spruce
- White Cedar
Funding Partners:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Metrolinx
- Total Cost
Total Amount of EOP Funding: $6,429.86
Total Amount of Grant Funding: $7,144.29
Project Description:
This riparian area along a tributary of the East Holland River was an unmaintained open space behind a subdivision. It contained sparse tree cover with some scattered, younger cedar and spruce. The ground conditions were composed of mixed herbaceous species and grass cover. On the west side of the planting area was a narrow strip of mature deciduous forest.
The Lundy Park Tree Planting Project enhanced the overall natural heritage and biodiversity of the site by creating and expanding on the riparian buffer area and existing tree cover. The project included site preparation, machine tree planting, maintenance and monitoring. A total of 750 native trees were planted along 135 metres of tributary in the riparian corridor and covered 0.40 ha. The site was mowed by the Town of Aurora prior to planting to help control competition. Herbicide was also applied to ensure competition control through the first growing season. Future maintenance activities may include mowing between the rows of trees, additional herbicide application treatments, or string trimming surrounding competition in heavier areas.
Subwatershed: West Holland
Total Tree planted: 300
Total Treed Area Planted: 1.25 hectares
Total Shrubs planted: 200
Total area Restored: 1.25 hectares
Funding Partners:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Municipality of York Region – Grow Your Legacy
- TD
- Metrolinx
Total Amount of Offsetting Funding: $7,000.00
Total Amount of Grant Funding: $15,237.22
Project Description:
Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve is part of the Happy Valley Forest which is located on the Oak Ridges Moraine. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has protected 737 acres (298 hectares) of this forest in the Township of King. Happy Valley Forest is important habitat for several native species, including several species at risk. Limiting public access to trails only is crucial to help ensure these species have place to live while still allowing the public to view the beautiful forest. The Goldie Feldman Nature Reserve features the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s first fully accessible trail in Canada and contains mature upland forest, wetlands and meadow.
The new accessible trail was created in 2021 and features two loops, one loop travels through meadow habitat and the other one is through the forest. The Nature Conservancy of Canada wanted to discourage trail users from cutting across the natural habitat to access trails and to increase the biodiversity and forest cover at the site. In October 2022, the Nature Conservancy of Canada planted 1.25 ha with 200 native shrubs and 300 native trees with local community volunteers.
Subwatershed: Oro Creeks South
Total Tree planted: 1100
Total Treed Area Planted: 0.55 hectares
Total Shrubs planted: 0
Total area Restored: 0.55 hectares
Funding Partner:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Simcoe County Trees
- Private Landowner
Total Project Cost and the Total Amount of Offsetting Funding: $6,175.45
- Includes $4,809.40 from Ecological Offsetting Funding
- Includes $1,144.30 from Simcoe County Trees
- Includes $221.75 from Private Landowner
Project Description:
The Astin planting project is located on a privately-owned farm property in Oro-Medonte. This property is approximately 44.1 hectares and is in the Oro Creeks South sub watershed. The site is surrounded by agricultural properties to the north and west, and forested wetland to the south and east. A portion of the property contains non-provincially significant wetland and typically floods in the spring. The project location is adjacent to an existing wetland pocket and the surrounding agricultural land is in hay.
The project will help enhance the overall natural heritage and biodiversity of the site by creating and expanding the buffer surrounding the wetland and expanding existing tree cover. This planting was part of ongoing restoration efforts on the property. In the fall of 2023, the Conservation Authority planted 1100 native trees, covering 0.55 hectares.
Subwatershed: East Holland
Total Tree planted: 100
Total Treed Area Planted: 0.129 hectares
Total Shrubs planted: 200
Total area Restored: 0.129 hectares
Funding Partner:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
Total Project Cost and the Total Amount of Offsetting Funding: $6,735.00
This parcel is owned by the Town of East Gwillimbury and the town will be constructing a new parking lot in 2024 for additional parking for residents to access the Nokiidaa Trail. The new parking lot includes some planting components but does not extend the full property.
The project will help enhance the overall natural heritage and biodiversity of the site by creating and expanding the buffer surrounding the Provincially Significant Wetland. Site preparation was completed by the Town of East Gwillimbury (in kind) in 2023. In the fall of 2023, the Conservation Authority planted 300 native trees and shrubs, covering 0.129 ha. The trees will be maintained and monitored by Conservation Authority staff. Maintenance activities may include string trimming the surrounding competition, mulching and tree protection maintenance. As per discussions with the Town of East Gwillimbury, effort will be made to involve community groups in future maintenance activities and potentially a Community Action Planting Project closer to the new parking lot in 2024.
Subwatershed: Whites Creek
Total Tree planted: 10,700
Total Treed Area Planted: 4.84 hectares
Total Shrubs planted: 700
Total area Restored: 5.03 hectares
Funding Partner:
- Ecological Offsetting Funding
Total Project Cost and the Total Amount of Offsetting Funding: $45,895.00
Project Description:
This project is in the Whites Creek subwatershed in the City of Kawartha Lakes. The subject area is located on an agricultural property in Woodville. The subject property consists of chemical-free agricultural land that the landowner is retiring. Several restoration projects have previously been completed on the property including 24 hectares of meadow enhancement, 38 hectares of cover crop, as well as tree plantings. A headwater tributary of Whites Creek originates on the property. There is an existing wetland complex on site with adjacent lands into the fields and connection to a watercourse which is part of the headwaters of the Whites Creek subwatershed. The project will help enhance the overall natural heritage and biodiversity of the site and expand existing tree cover. This planting was part of ongoing restoration efforts on the property. In the fall of 2023, the Conservation Authority planted 10,700 native trees and 700 native shrubs for a total restoration area of 5.03 hectares.
Phosphorus Offsetting and Water Balance and Recharge Projects
Since 2018 the Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Offsetting Policy has been improving and protecting the quality of water in Lake Simcoe and its streams and rivers.
To ensure that adequate groundwater recharge is also maintained throughout the Lake Simcoe watershed, and to mirror the policies of the Source Protection Plan, we developed the Water Balance Recharge Policy in 2019. This policy addresses the deficit of groundwater recharge resulting from development.
Project Subwatershed: Barrie Creeks
Project Location and Ownership: 132 Lillian Cresent, Barrie. Owner – City of Barrie
Current Estimated Infiltration Volume base on the 25mm rain event (m3/year): 42
Estimated Phosphorous Reduction (kg/yr): 0.5
Funding Partner: City of Barrie
Phosphorus Offsetting Funding: $43,058.06
Project Total Cost: $177,143.80
Project Subwatershed: East Holland
Project Location and Ownership: Green Lane East and East Holland River Owner – Town of East Gwillimbury
Estimated Infiltration Volume base on the 25mm rain event (m3/year): 454
Estimated Phosphorous Reduction (kg/yr): 0.09
Funding Partners:
- Town of East Gwillimbury
- Restoration Funding
Water Balance Offsetting Funding: $23,150
Project Total Cost: $60,000 – for the Low Impact Development component only
Project Subwatershed: East Holland
Project Location and Ownership: Magna Centre – Town of Newmarket
Estimated Infiltration Volume base on the 25mm rain event (m3/year): 1750
Estimated Phosphorous Reduction (kg/yr): 0.186
Funding Partner: Town of Newmarket
Water Balance Offsetting Funding: $67,356.74
Project Total Cost: $184,000
Project Subwatershed: East Holland
Project Location and Ownership: 11 Mount Albert Rd. Owner – Town of East Gwillimbury
Estimated Infiltration Volume base on the 25mm rain event (m3): 26.25
Estimated Phosphorous Reduction (kg/year): 0.3
Total Area Restored: 0.109 hectares
Funding Partner: Town of East Gwillimbury
Water Balance Offsetting Funding: $44,331.72
Project Total Cost: $82,172.72
Project Subwatershed: Kidd’s Creek (Barrie Creeks)
Project Location and Ownership: South side of Sunnidale Rd., West of Anne. St. – Barrie
Site Conditions before Project: Dry SWM pond in residential area
Estimated Infiltration Volume: 16,789 m3/year
Estimated Phosphorous Reduction: 10.43 kilograms/year
Funding Partners:
- Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Offsetting Policy Funding
- Water Balance Offsetting Funding
- City of Barrie
Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Offsetting Project fund: $417,741
Water Balance Offsetting Fund: $260,015
Project Subwatershed: Tannery Creek(East Holland)
Project Location and Ownership: North side of Murray Drive, East of Nisbet Dr.
Site Conditions before Project: Older Residential area draining 5.25 Hectares of stormwater directly into tributary of Tannery Creek
Estimated Infiltration Volume: 0 m3/year
Estimated Phosphorous Reduction: 1.39 kilograms/year
Funding Partners:
- Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Offsetting Policy Funding
- Town of Aurora
Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Offsetting Policy fund: $49,577
Water Balance Offsetting Fund: $0
Construction Cost: $275,000
Project Description:
We partnered with the Town of Aurora to help improve localized stormwater by retrofitting an urban residential part of Town where the stormwater previous flowed directly into the adjacent watercourse. This was achieved through the installation of an underground oil and grit separator that will capture nutrient enriched sediments before entering the creek.
The environmental benefits of this project will include:
- 39 kilograms/year of additional phosphorus reduction
Project Subwatershed: Sophia Creek (Barrie Creeks)
Project Location and Ownership: South-east of Hwy 400 and St Vincient
Site Conditions before Project: On-line dry stormwater management pond
Estimated Infiltration Volume: 0 m3/ year
Estimated Phosphorous Reduction: 57.36 kilograms/year
Funding Partners:
- Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Offsetting Policy Funding
- Lake Simcoe Restoration Assistance Funding
- Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation
- City of Barrie
LSPOP Offsetting fund: $721,743
WB Offsetting Fund: $0
Construction Cost: $2,600,000
Project Description:
We partnered with the City of Barrie to help improve local stormwater by retrofitting an existing dry stormwater management pond. This pond was only designed to manage the local stormwater flows, but by upgrading the facility it will now not only manage the water quantity through the system but improve the local water quality. This is because the wet pond allows much of the nutrient enriched sediment captured by the stormwater to settle into the pond before it continues through Sophia creek and into Lake Simcoe.
In addition to the upgrades stormwater management facility, and Oil-Grit Separator (OGS) has been installed in a local catch basin, which will treat the runoff from the adjacent commercial/industrial properties. Along with the improved water treatment, the main channel of Sophia creek has been extended by 73 metres and will bypass the upgraded facility during normal flow conditions.
The environmental benefits of this project will include:
- 36 kilograms/year of additional phosphorus reduction
- Improved sediment capture carried downstream from stormwater.
- Increased stormwater capacity to help manage downstream flood events.
Who to Contact
Restoration
✆ 905-895-1281
✆ 1-800-465-0437 Toll free
✉ restoration@LSRCA.on.ca
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