Lake Scugog Enhancement Project
Construction is due to begin in the fall of 2020.
GOOD NEWS: July 31, 2020
The Lake Scugog Enhancement Project (Kawartha Conservation)
This project constructs a wetland ecosystem to improve the management of stormwater and filter nutrient rich waters moving into Port Perry Bay, in order to help bring the lake back to health.
The project will also dredge soils and invasive aquatic species, extend the shoreline around the wetland, and create and enhance natural habitats. Without action, climate change is a major risk factor in accelerating eutrophication of the Bay resulting in greater economic losses in boating, fishing and other recreational uses and associated tourism dollars.
The ecosystem, aesthetic values and recreational values of the Lake Scugog Watershed are estimated to provide $220m in economic value to Port Perry annually and benefit over 20,000 area residents. The project has wide community support, developed in consultation with all levels of government, First Nations, conservation professionals and community stakeholders.
Project co-benefits include:
- Establishing healthy aquatic ecosystems that support spawning grounds for native fish species;
- Establishing healthy terrestrial ecosystems that provide greater habitat for Species at Risk, including migratory birds, waterfowl, amphibians, and reptiles; and,
- Providing a new and exciting community trail and fishing platform out in the Bay.
“We are delighted to receive this grant from the Greenbelt Foundation to support the Lake Scugog Enhancement Project. This important project is a key collaboration between Kawartha Conservation, the Township of Scugog and the Scugog Lake Stewards that will create numerous benefits for people and the environment through the provision of a new wetland, enhanced navigation of Port Perry Bay and water quality improvements. With this grant we can positively move forward, with a focus on commencing construction in 2022.” – Mark Majchrowski, CAO, Kawartha Conservation
Why we’re here
The Lake Scugog Enhancement Project is a $3 to $4 million-dollar project to improve the Port Perry Bay area by increasing localized areas to proper navigational depths and constructing an engineered wetland that filters harmful pollutants from stormwater runoff entering the lake, while providing a sanctuary for fish, birds, amphibians and turtles, and incorporating a beautiful walking path along Lake Scugog’s shores.
Lake Scugog’s features have constantly been in natural transition. The ecosystem is primarily driven and stressed by human influences like stormwater runoff, invasive species transmission and nutrient inputs (like phosphorus and nitrogen).
The lake requires responsible best-management practices including measures for the protection of diverse watershed ecosystems, while balancing the natural environment and sustainable economic development.
However, decades of high nutrient inputs, sedimentation, overabundant aquatic vegetation and invasive species have caused navigational, recreational and aesthetic issues for residents around the lake. These are caused by excessive unmanaged inputs from modern human activities such as stormwater runoff.
A collaborative approach with the Township of Scugog
The Healthy Lake Scugog Steering Committee (HLSSC) is a committee of the Township of Scugog Council. In 2013, the HLSSC began exploring opportunities to improve Lake Scugog.
The HLSSC is comprised of representatives from all government levels, local business owners, private residents, the Kawartha Region Conservation Authority, Scugog Lake Stewards Inc,. Parks Canada, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.
The HLSSC identifies short- and long-term solutions and research through appropriate lead agencies within and outside the HLSSC and provides a collaborative effort to facilitate decision making and information gathering which leads to actions for improving Lake Scugog’s overall health, recreational and tourism/economic values.
The Township of Scugog
The Lake Scugog Enhancement Project is a project of the Township of Scugog. The Mayor and Council approved a resolution directing the HLSSC, Township staff and Kawartha Conservation to investigate and report back to Council on matters pertaining to the design, installation, and future maintenance and control of the Lake Scugog Enhancement Project.
Kawartha Conservation
Kawartha Conservation is a proud partner in the Lake Scugog Enhancement Project. Kawartha Conservation is a non-profit, environmental agency helping ensure the conservation, restoration and responsible management of water, land and natural habitats through programs and services.
Kawartha Conservation balances environmental capacity with human need, while managing natural resources essential for sustaining water quality and quantity, through watershed planning, stewardship, environmental monitoring and research, and management of conservation and natural areas.
Scugog Lake Stewards
The Scugog Lake Stewards are a proud partner in the Lake Scugog Enhancement Project. Scugog Lake Stewards is a registered charitable organization devoted to maintaining Lake Scugog’s health and well-being. The Stewards focus on Lake Scugog’s sustainability, usability and aesthetics by driving community engagement and enabling fundraising for the Lake Scugog Enhancement Project (LSEP), as directed by the Township of Scugog.
Join us in enhancing a vibrant, healthy and fun Lake Scugog
The success of this project requires contributions from many, including governments, foundations, businesses and personal charitable donations.
We are looking for visionaries to join us in caring deeply about Lake Scugog, its ecosystem and the people in its community. Join the Township of Scugog’s journey in environmental leadership and in its commitment to the communities in Scugog.
Get involved today. Contact us at
Phone: 416-409-8296
Email: lsepfundraising@gmail.com