Environment & Water Protection Home Environment & Water Protection Welcome to Huron Shores’ Environmental Initiatives In Huron Shores, we are committed to protecting and preserving our natural environment. Through various programs and community efforts, we aim to promote sustainability, enhance water quality, and engage residents in environmental stewardship. Join us in making a positive impact on our local ecosystem. Did you know that the Huron Shores has an Environmental Advisory Committee? They are dedicated to environmental initiatives, protection and about engaging with the public. Meeting times are posted online, you are welcome to tune in. Contact us anytime with ideas, thoughts and collaboration! ** Currently seeking new members!Terms of Reference available here for more information on committee structure. Local Policies, Best Practices Tree Canopy Policy Huron Shores Invasive Species Resources Blue-Green Algae – Information for Residents Blue-Green Algae – Information for ResidentsSeptember 16, 2025 The Municipality is sharing the following information to support public awareness around blue-green algae, following recent reports from concerned residents on Bright Lake. Algoma Public Health (APH) and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) take a collaborative approach to reporting and guidance. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can occur naturally in lakes and rivers. Under warm, still, and nutrient-rich conditions, they can multiply rapidly and form visible blooms that may look like green or turquoise paint, pea soup, or surface scum. Some types may produce toxins that can be harmful to people, pets, and wildlife. Safety precautions advised in these instances include: Avoid swimming or other water activities where a bloom is visible. Do not drink, cook with, or boil lake water during a bloom. Keep pets and livestock away from the water. Use an alternate water source for drinking and food preparation. 📞 To Report a Suspected Bloom: MECP – Report Environmental Concerns in Ontario: 1-866-663-8477 or https://report-pollution.ene.gov.on.ca/ 📚 More Information: Algoma Public Health – Blue-Green Algae Ontario Government – Blue-Green Algae A printable version of the APH webpage is also available from the municipal office upon request. This information will also be posted on our website for easy access. Stay safe and stay informed. Municipality of Huron Shores 🌊 Huron Shores Water Monitoring Project – 2025 The Municipality of Huron Shores is proud to lead a new community-based water monitoring initiative in partnership with the Northern Policy Institute and Water Rangers. This collaborative effort empowers local volunteers to monitor the health of our lakes, rivers, and creeks — collecting weekly data that supports environmental stewardship and long-term planning across the region. Together, we are building a stronger, more informed future for our waterways and our communities. Interested in getting involved or learning more? Check out the presentation from the Nordik Policy Institute! Community-Based Water Quality Monitoring in The Northern Great Lakes. Additional resources: Recommend watching the Plastic People Documentary Watch Microplastics in the Oceans Read the International Joint Commission’s recent research on microplastics Microplastics in the Great Lakes: How they affect human health and more. Microplastics in fish species in Lake Superior Email us for more information! email@huronshores.ca 🐟 Fish Consumption Safety – Know Before You Eat We want to provide a trusted resource that supports informed, personal decision-making. The Ontario Government’s Natural Resources Network provides detailed guidance on which fish are safe to eat, how often they can be consumed, and how this varies by species and location. ✅ Use this Fish Consumption Guide to explore safety guidelines.🗺️ Check the Interactive Advisory Map to view location-specific information on fish in your area. These tools can help you and your family make informed, safe choices about enjoying locally caught fish. Lakes and Water Protection Central Algoma Freshwater Coalition – check out their 2025 Summer Newsletter Big Basswood Lake Association – get the latest news here. Big Basswood Lake Association 2024 Winter Newsletter A Guide for Central Algoma Natural History Grants and Rebates Canada Greener Homes Grant 50 Million Trees Enbridge Rebates & Energy Conservation Energy Affordability Program Oil Heat Pump Affordability Program Save On Energy – Businesses and Contractors – Retrofit Program Green Municipal Fund – grants are available for planning, studies and pilot projects. Loans are available for capital projects Enforcement Fishing, WIldlife, Hunting and related Ministry Information from the Government of Ontario Agriculture and OMAFRA Best Practices Best Management Practices for Phosphorus – Best Management Practices Buffer Strips – Best Management Practices Controlling Soil Erosion on the Farm – Best Management Practices Cropland Drainage – Best Management Practices Managing Crop Nutrients – Best Management Practices Manure Management – Best Management Practices Nutrient Management Planning – Best Management Practices Streamside Grazing – Best Management Practices Deadstock Disposal – Best Management Practices Soil Health in Ontario – Best Management Practices