Environment & Energy

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.


Corporate Climate Action Plan aims to achieve a corporate reduction target of 30% below 2016 emissions by 2030. The Township is also aiming to achieve netzero operations by 2050, in line with other municipalities and levels of government across Canada.

 

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.



Corporate Climate Action Plan


Community Climate Action Plan

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.

 

 Water Quality Monitoring Program

The purpose of the Water Quality Monitoring Program is to establish a historical record of water quality parameters so that trends in water quality can be identified.

 The Water Quality Monitoring Program measures:

  • Spring Phosphorus concentrations (a measure of nutrient enrichment)
  • Dissolved Organic Carbon
  • Calcium, Chloride and Sulphate
  • Secchi Depth (a measure of water clarity)
  • End of summer dissolved oxygen and temperature profile

Find out if your lake is being sampled, and if so, review past results on the Online Interactive Map. Please note, the most recent 2018 data results have not yet been incorporated into the online map. For the most recent data, see the links below. Please note that all Ontario inland lakes are included and are listed alphabetically:

Total Phosphorous results 

Average Secchi depth results

Calcium results

For information on how to interpret the data, visit the Guide to Interpreting Lake Partner Data.
For more information regarding water quality results and the Lake Partner Program, please visit the Dorset Environmental Science Centre website.

Hutchinson Environmental Year End Reports
2022 Report

2021 Report

2021 Clear Lake Water Quality Summary

2019 Report

2018 Report

2017 Report

2016 Report 

 Benthic Monitoring Program

 

 

In July 2021, Seguin Township partnered with Georgian Bay Biosphere to coordinate and conduct benthic monitoring on 10 lakes within the Township (see map below). This is a multi-year monitoring program.

Benthic macroinvertebrates (or benthos) are small aquatic organisms (including insects, crustaceans, worms, and mollusks). These animals are well suited as indicators of water and sediment quality as they spend most or all of their lives (1-3 years) in constant contact with lake sediments and the water in a specific area. Furthermore, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to sample and they have different tolerances to disturbances and pollution.

Benthic monitoring requires consecutive years of sampling data to allow results to be compared. Therefore, results from the first few years of the benthic monitoring program are for information purposes and to set a baseline for future interpretation.

Map of Seguin Benthic Monitoring Sites


Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve (GBBR) Year End Benthic Monitoring Report

2022 Report

2021 Report

2020 Report

Lake Stewardship Program

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.

 

 

 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

Annual reports 

*The deadline for 2021 reporting is July 1, 2023.

ICECAP logo

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

  1. Encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
  2. Improve energy efficiency
  3. Reduce the use of fossil fuels
  4. Adapt to a changing climate by building greater resilience

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:

  • Monitor local energy and greenhouse gas emission trends.
  • Develop energy and greenhouse gas emission baselines.
  • Contribute to the development of local climate action and energy plans.
  • Identify opportunities for energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and saving money on energy in our communities.

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.

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!

  • 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

More Information

 

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

 

Contact Us

Seguin Township logo

© Copyright 2022 Township of Seguin, 5 Humphrey Drive, Seguin, Ontario, ON P2A 2W8
Phone: 705-732-4300 Toll Free: 1-877-4SEGUIN (1-877-473-4846) Fax: 705-732-6347 After Hours Answering Service 705-751-0050

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