Environment & Energy

Water Quality Programs In Seguin

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.

Stewardship Seguin Program

The 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:

1. Contact Seguin Township or their participating Lake Association to learn more about the program.
2. Request a rating card for their property.
3. Become familiar with the Living Sustainably in Seguin Handbook.
4. Submit their rating card to Seguin Township or their participating Lake Association and start greening their property one "raindrop" at a time.

 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 Code

What 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 Handbook

There are three main principles and 12 practical steps that we must adopt to sustain our natural character:

Principle One - Keep it Natural

Imagine 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 Ecology

Blend 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 Footprint

Reduce 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.

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.

• The carbon calculator will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
• Do not leave fields blank. If you do not use a certain type of fuel, please input 0 into the appropriate field.
• Gather your utility and energy bills before starting. Using these will give the most accurate results.
• Put together a list of the vehicles and boats you own. How much you use these vehicles will determine your transportation GHG emissions.
• Think about what can be found in your garbage cans. The carbon calculator will ask for the quantity and types of garbage you produce.

For more information about ICECAP, click here.

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!

• Gardening? Plant native species. For helpful suggestions see the Northern Ontario Grow Me Instead Guide: Beautiful Non-Invasive Plants for your Garden.
• Going camping? Don't transport firewood. Buy it locally; leave what you don't use there.
• Going fishing? Don't empty your bait bucket in or near water - it's against the law. Instead, throw your bait in the trash in a sealed container.
• Going boating? Wash your boat before you move to another lake or river. 
• Going hiking? Clean visible mud, plants and seeds from your boots and other equipment. 
• Have a pet fish that is no longer wanted? Don't release it into the wild and don't flush dead fish down the toilet. Put them in the garbage or compost. 
• Have a turtle or other small reptile pet that is no longer wanted? Don't release it into the wild. Contact a reptile rescue society like Little RES Q for help.
•  Travelling? Don't take plants, plant parts, seeds or fruit across borders.
•  Got one? Report an invasive species sighting at 1-800-563-7711.

Invasive Species Centre

• www.invasivespeciescentre.ca

More Information

• Giant Hogweed
• Phragmites (European common reed) 
• Zebra Mussels (Dreissena Polymorpha)
• Japanese Knotweed  (Fallopia Japonica)
• Himalayan Balsam
• Wild Parsnip
• Emerald Ash borer

Blue Green Algae

The 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:

• Do not use the water. This includes: drinking, cooking, bathing, and brushing teeth. Note: Using a private water system or boiling the water will not destroy the toxins.
• Do not swim and avoid water sports where there is harmful algae.
• Limit the amount of fish flesh you eat. Some toxins can build up in fish and shellfish. Do not eat the liver, kidneys and other organs. Be careful not to cut the organs when filleting.
• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.

Ontario's 12-point plan on harmful algae blooms

Ontario 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