The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

Riverine Flood Status
Normal
Lake Simcoe Shoreline Status
Normal
Low Water Status
Normal

Offsetting Projects

Offsetting Projects

Our offsetting policies address loss of natural heritage features (ecological offsetting), groundwater recharge deficit (water balance offsetting) and post development phosphorus loads (phosphorus offsetting), which are all the result of development within the watershed. These policies are here to offset losses or impacts to the environment and are implemented by Planning and Development staff through review of applications made under the Planning Act. Each policy uses a tiered approach; avoid, minimize, mitigate and compensate. Below are the projects we have completed to date under each of the policies. 

Ecological Offsetting

Our Ecological Offsetting Policy was approved by the Board of Directors in 2017. This policy was developed to address the loss of natural heritage features and their associated vegetation protection zones. The primary key performance indicators for ecological offsetting projects are total natural heritage restored, wetland and woodland area restored, and area acquired/protected.

Phosphorus Offsetting and Water Balance and Recharge Projects

Since 2018 the Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Offsetting Policy has been improving and protecting the quality of water in Lake Simcoe and its streams and rivers. 

To ensure that adequate groundwater recharge is also maintained throughout the Lake Simcoe watershed, and to mirror the policies of the Source Protection Plan, we developed the Water Balance Recharge​ Policy in 2019. This policy addresses the deficit of groundwater recharge resulting from development.

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