Looking
Back
Highlights of our recent work
We’re pleased to share some of our accomplishments over the past year, as our presence continues to grow on Clear, Ston(e)y and White Lakes.
We are constantly reassessing our objectives, projects and results, and are reassured that much of our lake community is working toward a common purpose: responsible stewardship of the water and land we all love.
Here are some key initiatives:​
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Township Relations: We established liaison roles to strengthen our working relationships with local townships. Lois Wallace (Douro-Dummer), Cate Dandy (Selwyn) and Roz Moore with the Shoreline Conservation for Peterborough County committee (North Kawartha) are advocating with these townships on environmental issues affecting our lakes, specifically septic re-inspection, shoreland protection and development impacts. Municipal elections will be held in fall 2026, and we will be keeping these issues at the forefront in the run up to voting day.
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​Natural Edge Program: We built terrific momentum this summer with the Watersheds Canada/Kawartha Lake Stewards Natural Edge shoreline planting program. Our presentations at lake association AGMs and other events yielded 15 new participants. A number of assessments, and two new plantings on White Lake, have already been completed.
Prioritizing Issues
with Members of our Community
Lake Association Partnerships: On July 28, 2025, we hosted an afternoon of lively discussion with members-at-large, lake association presidents and environment reps. We prioritized these issues for action in 2026:
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Protection of shorelines from development impacts (advocacy with townships)
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Septic re-inspection (advocacy with townships that don’t have active programs)
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Other aspects of water quality (i.e. invasive aquatic species and their management)
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Engagement of association members, and others beyond that reach, so as to inform more of the lake community about these issues and the actions needed.
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Perhaps the most important part of what happens next – spurring actions – will rely on the ways our valued lake associations can help spread our communication and guide their members to take positive actions.
Going Forward
Through early 2026, Environment Council is working with the associations to develop an issue-based communications plan and simple messages for the start of next cottage season. With the participation of the associations’ environment, communications and membership directors, we can all hit the ground running early in the season.
During our July 28 discussion, the Upper Stoney Lake Association (USLA) shared their Environment Protection Plan (EPP), which sets out seven initiatives they support. This is a very useful model, and we’ll be working with the other lake associations to encourage them to develop EPPs.
We are currently updating our own EC strategy and action plan for 2026, and it will be posted here soon.
As always, thanks to everyone who supports and champions the work of Environment Council. We are committed to protecting our lakes and shorelands for generations to come, and we couldn’t do it without your help.
