Environment First
Seguin Township is committed to environmental sustainability, energy efficiency, and reducing our carbon footprint.
Mayor, Council and staff embrace our "environment first" principle.
Climate Action Plans |
Seguin Township Council voted in favour of adopting a Community Climate Action Plan and a Corporate Climate Action Plan in September 2023. These documents were created in collaboration with the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve. These documents are subject to revisions and updates.
The Community Climate Action Plan aims to achieve a community reduction target of 6% below 2016 emissions by 2030. The Township will also strive to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, in line with other municipalities and levels of government across Canada. |
Water Quality Programs In Seguin |
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As an environment first municipality, we pride ourselves in environmental planning initiatives aimed at improving our water quality and ensuring our lakes remain healthy. Seguin's Water Quality Programs are aimed at monitoring the ecological health of our lakes and maintaining septic systems as part of our overall stewardship initiatives. Water is critical to all aspects of our lives and it is important that we ensure there is a safe and reliable source of water for all our uses - now and in the future. Water quality in Seguin is of the utmost importance and plays a critical role in tourism, recreation, programming and quality of life. Our lakes are home to abundant aquatic life including fish, invertebrates and plants.
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Lake Stewardship Program | ||||
Stewardship Seguin ProgramThe protection of our environment is a priority in Seguin. So much so, we have developed a Lake Stewardship Handbook providing a road map of how to protect the health of our lakes and offering common sense approaches to help you do your part, and be a better steward. In conjunction with this handbook, we have developed a "Stewardship Seguin" program that recognizes and applauds property owners for making a significant improvement to their environment through stewardship activities. A property owner interested in participating in the program should:
Once your rating card is submitted, you will receive a Stewardship Seguin Flag acknowledging your commitment to sustainable living. This flag will easily mount on your dock or raft signifying your participation. Each year, as you make improvements and increase your rating, additional "raindrops" will be rewarded. Good Neighbours CodeWhat is a good neighbour? Whether you just moved in or have cottaged here for many years, this is your home or "home away from home". We hope you enjoy Seguin Township and that you will be a good neighbour to the people who live and cottage around you. View our Good Neighbours Brochure Lake Stewardship HandbookThere are three main principles and 12 practical steps that we must adopt to sustain our natural character: Principle One - Keep it NaturalImagine what your property looked like before construction and try to mimic it wherever possible Step 1 - Minimize lawns and landscaping Step 2 - Naturalize and restore shoreline buffers Step 3 - Minimize tree cutting Principle Two - Respect Character, Aesthetics and EcologyBlend your development and landscaping activities into the local setting Step 4 - Live with nature Step 5 - Protect species at risk Step 6 - Respect night skies Principle Three - Minimize our Human FootprintReduce your impacts on the natural and social environment Step 7 - Carefully select and locate shoreline structures Step 8 - Maintain your septic system Step 9 - Reduce the impact of construction Step 10 - Reduce storm water run-off Step 11 - Practice safe boating Step 12 - Green your home Please visit the Humphrey Arena Office at 15 Humphrey Drive to obtain a copy of the Guide or download a personal copy of the Lake Stewardship Handbook.
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Energy Management & ICECAP | ||||
Seguin Township is increasingly focusing on energy as a strategic priority - to reduce operating costs, prepare for rising utility costs, and to demonstrate their commitment to long-term sustainability. The Government of Ontario has also expressed a commitment to greening public sector buildings, and developed Regulation 397/11 under the Green Energy and Green Economy Act (2009) to advance this goal. Under the regulation, all public agencies, including the Township of Seguin, are required to report their energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on an annual basis and are required to submit 5-year energy conservation and demand management plans. 2019 - 2024 Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan 2014 - 2019 Seguin Energy Management Plan *The deadline for 2021 reporting is July 1, 2023. What is ICECAP?Our partners are taking action against climate change in the region. Known as the Integrated Community Energy and Climate Action Plans (ICECAP), GBBR is helping area Councils and their communities mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and build resilience by adapting to a changing climate. The ICECAP is a partnership between several of the Municipalities and First Nations located in the Georgian Bay Biosphere region for the purpose of a collaborative, more cost-effective approach to energy management and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. ICECAP Objectives
Seguin Township has been awarded PCP Milestone one for action community-wide emissions!The Partners for Climate Protection (PCP) program helps Seguin do its part. It consists of a five-step Milestone Framework that guides the Township as we take action against climate change by reducing emissions in Seguin Township. Check out the Partners for Climate Change Program for more information. You Can Help!The Carbon Calculator has been developed as an educational tool, and as a method for collecting data as part of Georgian Bay Biosphere’s Climate Action Strategy, State of the Bay reporting, and the Integrated Community Energy & Climate Action Plans (ICECAP) partnership. Data will be used in the following ways:
By completing a short survey, you will receive a calculation of your greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). To start, click the button at the bottom of this page.
For more information about ICECAP, click here. |
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Invasive Species & Blue Green Algae | ||||
Invading species are one of the greatest threats to the biodiversity of Ontario's waters and woodlands. Originating from other regions of the world, and in the absence of their natural predators or controls, invading species can have devastating effects on native species, habitats and ecosystems. Everyone has a role to play to protect our land and water from invasive species!
Invasive Species CentreMore Information
Blue Green AlgaeThe following information has been provided by the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit with respect to Blue Green Algae Blooms (https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/harmful-algae.asp) Harmful algae blooms (cyanobacteria), also known as blue-green algae or pond scum, form on lakes and can create toxins that are harmful to humans and animals. Residents of a lake with a harmful algae bloom may be affected depending on their closeness to the site of the algae, the size of the lake, wind directions, water flow, and other environmental conditions that cannot be predicted or controlled. Due to the many factors involved, government authorities are unable to determine where and when there are no toxins. Users are recommended to use their judgment. For further details on the location of the algae bloom, contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks - Spills Action Centre - 1-800-268-6060. If you reside near where the bloom was detected or are visiting the lake and encounter the algae, follow these safety measures:
Ontario's 12-point plan on harmful algae bloomsOntario is concerned about the effects of harmful algae blooms in our water. Ontario has a 12-point plan outlining how we are working with our many partners, to fight algae blooms in the Great Lakes and other lakes and rivers. For more information on Ontario's 12-point plan on harmful algae blooms click here. For more information on Blue Green Algae Blooms please contact the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit toll-free at 1-800-563-2808
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