Stormwater Management
Why is Managing Stormwater Important?
Controlling stormwater is an important factor in addressing climate change, water quality and quantity in our watershed. This is often addressed using stormwater ponds, low impact development practices and stabilizing streams.
In the 1980’s, stormwater ponds were designed for flood control. They hold and slowly release water back into the creek system. Retrofitting a stormwater pond will redesign the system to address water quality too and can also improve the quantity controls.
The strength of low impact development is that it mimics the natural hydrologic cycle, moving water into the ground the way it did before houses, or parking lots were built. We encourage new builds, old builds, and everything in between to evaluate the use of low impact development techniques.
Stabilizing streambanks will help limit the loss of land using natural channel restoration approaches. Streambank protection and plantings along the edge of a creek keeps the soil intact, improves water quality, slows water velocity, reduces erosion and the buffer allows water to infiltrate into the ground instead of running directly into a stream.
We have funds available to help you
- Reduce erosion along your streambank naturally and securely
- Help reduce the risk of flooding
- Encourage water to infiltrate – improving water quality
Retrofitting Stormwater Ponds
To reduce the impact of stormwater runoff from urban areas by retrofitting existing stormwater management facilities. Addressing stormwater contributes to protect and/or improve the water quality and quantity of Lake Simcoe and its tributaries.
Implementing Low Impact Development
To promote better stormwater management using sustainable low impact development practices which can be applied to development and/or retrofits. Addressing stormwater helps to maintain and/or improve the water quality and quantity within the Lake Simcoe watershed.
Improving Streams
To limit the loss of land by stabilizing your banks using natural channel restoration approaches. Streambank protection and plantings along the edge of a creek keeps the soil intact, improves water quality, slows water velocity, reduces erosion and the buffer allows water to infiltrate into the ground instead of running directly into a stream.
How to Apply
Complete the Landowner Information Form and the Project Profile Form to submit an application.
Be prepared to submit the following with your application:
- Completed and submitted a Landowner Information Form
- Project site plan
- Two cost quotations from qualified contractors
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority permit (if required)
Only complete applications will be considered for funding assistance.
Please contact the Manager of Restoration Services Christa Sharp to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.
How can you get started?
The process is simple. Identify a project that will improve your productivity and protect your land. Contact our restoration experts to book a free, confidential site visit to review your project and begin the application process.
Not sure what projects can support your business? Our Restoration Staff can visit your property to help you identify opportunities.