South Frontenac Township opens second intake for Lake Ecosystem Grant Program

In 2021 South Frontenac Township introduced a new Lake Ecosystem Grant Program that is designed to support projects focused on encouraging the preservation, restoration, monitoring and analysis of lake ecosystems within South Frontenac.

According to a release from the Township, three separate projects were approved for the program at the September 7, 2021, Council meeting. With program funds remaining in the 2021 budget, the Lake Ecosystem Advisory Committee has launched a second intake for this grant.

Council awarded funds totally $24,500 during the first intake of the program. Funding recipients included the Fourteen Island and Mink Lakes Watershed Association for their Scoped Dam Safety Assessment study, the Wolfe Lake Association for their Lead Fishing Tackle Buy-Back Program, and the Battersea Loughborough Lake Association for their Boat Washing Survey Initiative at the Perth Road Boat Launch that will look at the spread of invasive species. Each of the awarded proposals represents a project that will have a positive impact on the health and welfare of lake ecosystems in South Frontenac, according to the release.

“The protection and rehabilitation of our waterbodies and shorelines is an area that Council has wanted to provide more support to, so it’s important to us that we utilize every dollar that was set aside for this initiative,” explained Mayor Ron Vandewal. “We were pleased with the projects presented in the first round of applications this summer and look forward to receiving at least a few more submissions this year.”

With a deadline of October 29, 2021, not-for-profit community groups looking to make positive changes within their local waterbody ecosystem are encouraged by the Township to submit their interest and project proposals in person, or via email. The Lake Ecosystem Grant program will fund up to 75% of eligible projects to a maximum of $10,000 and looks for projects that will reduce or limit diffuse, point-source runoff caused by human disturbance of the land, create or increase shoreline buffer zones, protect or enhance wildlife habitat, or provide for lake environment monitoring and data collection, according to the release. Project proposals may involve an entire lake, multiple water bodies, or other upstream and downstream components.

Community groups interested in submitting an application can visit the Township’s website at www.southfrontenac.net/grants/. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 29, 2021.

For questions relating to the Lake Ecosystem Grant program, please contact Christine Woods, Senior Planner, at 613-376-3027 ext. 2221, or via email at [email protected].