Welcome to the Scugog Lake Stewards
Scugog Lake Stewards Inc. is an all volunteer group dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the health of Lake Scugog and its watershed through the promotion of PROJECTS, RESEARCH. EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY STEWARDSHIP. It is a Registered Charitable Organization incorporated in 2003 and audited annually. Your involvement in our work, your actions and your knowledge are critical to the health of the lake.
SCUGOG LAKE STEWARDS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, doors open: 6:30pm, meeting 7pm to 8:45pm
Terry Rees is not only an excellent speaker but he is, as the recently retired head of the Federation of Ontario Cottager’s Associations, probably the most knowledgeable person about what is happening in the province regarding our lakes and tributaries. He is passionate about protecting water. We are very proud to have Terry as our keynote speaker this year.
Register here: https://forms.gle/
2025 SLS Annual Report FINAL FINAL
Nominees for 2026-2027: https://scugoglakestewards.com/wp-admin/
A link to our 2025 Annual Report will be added soon. Our 2025 Financial Statements will be posted when they are approved by the membership at our Annual General Meeting, April 7, 2026.
RESPONSES TO VARIOUS PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSALS, 2026:
PROPOSAL FOR THE RENEWAL OF PERMIT TO DRAW BULK WATER FROM LAKE SCUGOG, ERO posting 025-1257 ERO water permit response
December 22, 2025.
PROPOSAL FOR THE CONSOLIDATION OF CONSERVATION AUTHORITIES
The following is a link to the Ontario Conservative Governments’ proposal regarding the consolidation of 36 Conservation Authorities into 7 much larger authorities. Scugog would be part of the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (as seen to the left) which would stretch our western borders all the way to the Quinte Region … a very diverse region including 48 municipalities, 7 current CA’s, and 16,100 sq. km. https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/025-1257
Scugog Lake Stewards’ submission regarding this proposal:
Our recommendation is that the province should put a pause on consideration to consolidation of Conservation Authorities. Instead, it should focus on the establishment of a central agency oversight model (as discussed) with immediate focus on addressing the noted issues of inconsistencies and fragmentation in program delivery and policy. ERO-submission-on-CA-regionalization-Final-(1)-PDF
Second submission as part of an important coalition of others:The Scugog Lake Stewards are very proud to have had our President, Rob Messervey (Retired CAO Kawartha Region CA, Former GM Lower Trent Region CA, Former Manager of the Provincial Conservation Authorities Program of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) be one of 8 developers of a well considered response to the Provincial Government’s proposal eventually signed by 74 largely ex CAO’s and former provincial staff involved with CA’s.
SCUGOG LAKE STEWARDS’ IMPORTANT DOCUMENT 2025 -26:
- Our 2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan: SCUGOG LAKE STEWARDS INC. Strategic Plan 2024-2026 FINAL We will be updating our Strategic Plan to cover 2026 to 2028 this fall.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER OR BECOME A MEMBER:
Now you can sign up easily to receive our regular newsletter. Just go to the bottom of this or any page of this website and sign in, giving your name and email, OR become a member, at Ilovelakescugog.ca
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THE LAKE STEWARDS ARE WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT
As at April 2026
Researching for the development of a Lake Capacity Plan to suit a shallow, warm water, highly developed lake such as Lake Scugog.- Collecting together all published and unpublished research data regarding Lake Scugog from all our partner institutions to ensure relevant information is not missed.
- Advocating for the lake in response to municipal and provincial proposals, and lake and watershed questions.
- Advocate for the Lake regarding possible increased shoreline development plans in vulnerable areas.
- Undertaking a Community Survey to identify what is of greatest importance regarding the lake and its preservation.
- Advocating for reduction of salt use by the municipality, private contractors and homeowners.
- Holding a minimum of 4 Science Socials throughout the year for public education.
- Funding Kawartha Conservation’s Volunteer Community Science Nearshore Water Quality testing program at 8 nearshore sites in the Scugog Township section of Lake Scugog.
- Conducting mid-lake water quality research with the FOCA Lake Partner Program.
- Continuing to advocate for the best possible stormwater treatment before it reaches Lake Scugog.
- Researching shoreline septic system health, and advocating regular tank clean outs, and knowledgeable management through a partnership with Durham Region Health.
- Studying and working towards controlling the invasive grass, phragmites; the #1 bad invasive in Canada.
- Researching methodologies to control invasive species in Lake Scugog such as Eurasian Watermilfoil, Starry Stonewort and Curly Leaf Pondweed including prevention of new introductions.
- Holding educational pontoon boat trips on the lake to encourage direct understanding of the lake and its current state and management requirements.
- Communicating lake information to the public on a daily/weekly basis through social media/our website/Lake Discovery Day/Meet me at the Market Days/Published Articles and Newsletters.
To become a member or donate: See: ilovelakescugog.ca
Click here to view the webcam mounted on the Port Perry Marina.
Our mission is to preserve, protect and enhance Lake Scugog. Like other lakes, our Lake Scugog faces the challenges of invasive species, sedimentation, water quality and lake level issues. It is our job to work with partners to ensure the lake remains healthy and attractive for future generations.
Rob Messervey, President