Funding Available for Septic System Owners

NEWMARKET - Monday, August 17, 2009 – The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) will be hosting workshops in Georgina, Brock, Innisfil and Oro-Medonte for people who own a septic system.

The Lake Simcoe Septic System Funding Program can provide financial assistance to landowners within 300 meters of Lake Simcoe to upgrade or replace their current septic system. If you don’t live within 300 meters of Lake Simcoe, other grant funding opportunities may be available.

• Georgina on Thursday, August 20 in the Pefferlaw Hall (38 Pete's Lane)
• Brock on Tuesday, August 25 in the Beaverton Arena (176 Main St)
• Innisfil on Thursday, August 27 at the Innisfil Town Hall (2101 Innisfil Beach Road)
• Oro-Medonte on Monday, August 31in the Arena Banquet Hall (71, 4th Line N)

Come to the workshop to learn more about how you could qualify for this grant funding. There will be a presentation on septic system care and maintenance by Denis Orendt, Executive Director of the Ontario Onsite Wastewater Association. In some locations municipal representatives will also be available to answer your questions on permits and inspections of septic systems.

Septic systems that are over 20 years old may be faulty or in need of repair. A faulty or malfunctioning system can cause high levels of nitrates, phosphorus, bacteria and other contaminants to flow directly into Lake Simcoe and nearby watercourses. Not maintaining a septic system can also result in contaminated drinking water sources and cause serious environmental and health problems.

"Given the significant political attention Lake Simcoe is currently receiving, we often forget about the role of individual landowners located near the lake and how their actions can contribute to the lake’s health," said Virginia Hackson, LSRCA Chair and Councillor for the Town of East Gwillimbury. "This workshop and the grant funding available for septic system repairs will empower landowners with septic systems living near the lake to make crucial repairs or upgrades that will ensure the continued health of Lake Simcoe, and add to the value of their individual properties."

Septic systems and septic waste management technologies have changed over the years and many of the older systems need to be upgraded and repaired. Many dwellings have transitioned from seasonal to year-round use, increasing the amount of waste handled by the septic system. In many cases, the original systems have not been maintained or are inadequate to handle the increased usage.

You can also contact Lori McLean at 905-895-1281 ext.272 to find out about this and other funding opportunities.

Media contact:
Jonathan MacMull,
Community Marketing Specialist
Phone: 905.895.1281, ext.259