We will no longer be supporting IE7 and below as a web browser effective June 1st 2020. Click here for more information.

Sign In

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Skip Navigation LinksLake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority > Improving Streams and Retrofitting On-line Ponds
​​​​

Improving Streams & Retrofitting On-line Ponds

We cover 50% up to $20,000

Do you have a creek, river or stream running through your property? Limit the loss of land by stabilizing your banks using natural approaches. Planting along the edge of a creek enhances your property and creates an inviting space for turtles, birds and fish to come and play. Let us help you fund this, and more. 

If your pond is attached to a stream it is considered "online" which can dramatically warm up the water, making it harmful to fish. Now imagine seeing schools of cold water species such as Brook Trout right on your property. You can achieve this by taking your pond "offline", which might be as simple as redirecting the creek around your pond. And we'll cover up to 50​% of your project costs.

Project Guidelines

Improving Streams

Eligible Projects


  • Streambank stabilization using bioengineering techniques
  • Culvert removal​
  • Natural channel design
  • Fish habitat improvement
  • LSRCA will consider innovative projects if they meet the objective of the category

Project Details

  • Must reflect natural channel design principles and allow for unimpeded passage of fish and aquatic life.
  • All disturbed areas must be stabilized prior to removal of temporary erosion and sediment control measures. All dewatering material that may contain sediment must be filtered using Best Management Practices prior to discharging into the receiving waters.
  • Landowner will participate in project monitoring by providing seasonal post-construction photos of the site for a minimum of two years.

What costs are covered?

  • Permits
  • Professional design fees
  • Material and labour associated with the approved project

What isn't covered?

  • Taxes
  • Replacement of existing retaining walls or other structures
  • Gabion basket walls, steel retaining structures, concrete or solid retaining walls, armour stone
  • Stocking or removal of fish or other aquatic life
  • Enhancements for recreational or aesthetic purposes
  • Machinery or equipment owned and used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business
  • Labour of applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business
  • If you have an outstanding violation with LSRCA, you will not be eligible for funding
  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance

How to Apply

Complete the Landowner Information Form and the Project Pro​file Form to submit an application.

Be prepared to submit the following with your application:

  • Completed and submitted a Landowner Information Form
  • Project site plan
  • Two cost quotations from qualified contractors
  • LSRCA permit (if required)

​Only complete applications will be considered for funding assistance.

Please contact a Restoration Project Specialist to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.

Retrofitting Online Ponds

Eligible Projects

  • Dam, weir and culvert removal
  • Pond bottom draw conversion
  • Creation of pond by-pass channels
  • Natural channel design using bioengineering techniques and native trees and shrubs
  • Fish habitat improvement
  • LSRCA will consider innovative projects if they meet the objective of the category

Project Details

  • By-pass channels and dam or weir removals must be designed to reflect natural channel design principles and must allow for unimpeded passage of fish and other aquatic life.
  • All disturbed areas must be stabilized prior to removal of temporary erosion and sediment control measures. All dewaterting material that may contain sediment must be filtered using Best Management Practices prior to discharging into the receiving waters.
  • Landowner will participate in project monitoring by providing seasonal post-construction photos of the site for a minimum of 2 years.

What costs are covered?

  • Permit fees
  • Professional design fees
  • Material and labour associated with the approved project

What isn't covered?

  • Taxes
  • Replacement of existing retaining walls or other structures
  • Gabion basket walls, steel retaining structures, concrete or solid retaining walls, armour stone
  • Pond maintenance, including dredging, removal of aquatic plants, or enlargement
  • Stocking or removal of fish or other aquatic life
  • Enhancements for recreational or aesthetic purposes
  • Machinery or equipment owned and used by the applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business
  • Labour of applicant, family dependents or the applicant's business
  • If you have an outstanding violation with LSRCA, you will not be eligible for funding
  • Work that proceeds prior to funding approval does not qualify for funding assistance

How to Apply

Complete the Landowner Information Form and the Project Profile For​m to submit an application.

Be prepared to submit the following with your application:

  • Project site plan
  • Two cost quotations from qualified contractors
  • LSRCA permit (if required)

Only complete applications will be considered for funding assistance.

Please contact a Restoration Project Specialist​ to verify program eligibility and to answer any questions/concerns you may have about the program and/or the application process. This is a voluntary program and all calls are confidential.

How can you get started?

The process is simple. Identify a project that will improve your productivity and protect your land. Contact our restoration experts to book a free, confidential site visit to review your project and begin the application process. 

Not sure what projects can support your business? Our Restoration Project Specialists can visit your property to help you identify opportunities.