The District Municipality of Muskoka has launched a program to support local lake groups in protecting and improving water quality.
According to officials, the program, named Watershed Resilience Action, was designed based on public feedback to encourage action and build local knowledge to help protect lakes and watersheds.
“People in Muskoka care deeply about the health of their lakes,” said Rebecca Willison, Environmental Planning, Policy and Program Coordinator. “WRAP will help local groups turn ideas into action and support projects that make a real difference.”
Officials said it aims to support projects led by lake associations and community stewardship groups across Muskoka through two funding streams.
The first stream is open to organized lake and community groups on all waterbodies in Muskoka, with funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 depending on the type of project.
District officials said this stream is available for projects such as creating or updating a lake plan, developing a stewardship action plan, starting a citizen science or community stewardship program, improving communications and engagement with waterbody residents, and organizing stewardship events.
The second stream is for organized stewardship groups working on lakes listed in Schedule E2 of the Muskoka Official Plan. It provides funding for up to 50 per cent of total project costs, to a maximum of $20,000, and requires matching funds.
Officials said this stream supports action and research projects that protect or improve water quality. Examples include restoring habitat or shorelines, managing invasive species, reducing pollution, improving stormwater management, expanding community monitoring programs, and researching the effectiveness of stewardship activities.
The District said applicants must be organized lake stewardship groups recognized by the District and based in Muskoka. Groups must also demonstrate that they have volunteers and the capacity to carry out the work.
Some of the project requirements include having a clear start and end date, outlining clear deliverables, and demonstrating benefits to the lake or watershed. Projects must also comply with all applicable laws, bylaws, policies, and guidelines.
Applications open June 1 and must be submitted through the online application form by August 31, with successful applicants notified by November 30 and funding subject to budget approval.
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