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Algonquin Highlands

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental Treatise


Algonquin Highlands is nature’s own playground. The municipality is committed to protecting our environment through integrating sound environmental management decisions into our regular policies and operations, as well as through dedicated projects. Read more about our environmental work here:

While the Township of Algonquin Highlands strives to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change at a corporate level, there are actions each of us can take at the individual level every day to help lessen the negative impacts of climate change. 

The Community Climate Action Guide can help you start taking positive action today!

The Township of Algonquin Highlands is committed to climate action, which includes looking at ways the municipality can reduce emissions at its facilities, waste disposal sites and within its vehicle fleet. 

You can view the Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan for the Township of Algonquin Highlands here

You can view the overall Corporate Climate Change Mitigation Plan for the County of Haliburton here.

View the Corporate Climate Change Adaption Plan

Composting in Cottage Country is easy if you just follow a few simple pieces of advice. Composting helps to reduce methane emissions, save space at waste disposal sites, and is healthy for your yard and garden. 

The Township of Algonquin Highlands offers Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at the AH Administrative Office at 1123 North Shore Road, and the Dorset Recreation Centre at 1051 Main Street. 

The Ivy Charging Network station on North Shore Road offers a Level 2 charging port, while the Flo station at the DRC offers one Level 2 and one Level 3 charger. 

The AH Environment and Stewardship Committee is a catalyst for local initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, integrity and conservation, and makes recommendations to Council on such matters. The Committee also undertakes the creation of educational campaigns to further public understanding of environmental practices. 

Keeping hazardous waste out of local waste disposal sites is essential to the health of local lakes and waterbodies. Navigating household hazardous waste disposal need not be daunting; you can find more information regarding the disposal of hazardous waste in the municipality right here

The County of Haliburton's Shoreline Preservation By-Law came into effect in the Township of Algonquin Highlands on April 1, 2023 and seeks the protect the water quality of local lakes, rivers and wetlands by mitigating the alteration of riparian land close to these waterbodies. 

There is a strong link between the health of local septic systems and the health of local lakes and waterbodies. Unhealthy septic systems can lead to issues such as nutrient dumping, blue-green algae and ultimately the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. That's why the Township of Algonquin Highlands has introduced a Septic Re-Inspection Program. 

You can learn more about the last program, conducted between 2018 and 2022, as well as find annual reports here

You can find more information about septic systems in Algonquin Highlands here.

Programs and Policy


The lakes, rivers, wetlands and forests of Algonquin Highlands are much more than just a beautiful setting; they are the social, economic and cultural lifeblood of the community. Protecting these natural assets, along with mitigating the effects of climate change, is a priority for the Township, and considerations of environmental stewardship are at the forefront of municipal decision-making and policy.

From protecting lake health to prolonging the lifespan of waste disposal sites, a series of programs offered by the Township, the County of Haliburton and community groups help to achieve goals of sustainability.

Water Levels


CEWF

The Coalition for Equitable Water Flow (CEWF) is a volunteer organization that was formed in August 2006. Its goal is to represent the interests of the more than 30,000 Ontario taxpayers who own residential shoreline property on 55 lakes that feed all the way down into the Trent Canal, the water levels of which are controlled by the Trent Severn Waterway.

The first video below explains the operation of the TSW, while the second discusses what you can do to help protect your waterfront. 

Muskoka Watershed Council

Muskoka Watershed Council (MWC) is an initiative of The District Municipality of Muskoka (DMM) and the Muskoka community. MWC was founded in 2001 and became incorporated as an independent non-profit organization in July 2019.

MWC is an advisory body and not a regulatory or enforcement agency. Instead, it makes recommendations to municipal governments, to decision-makers, to managers and to the general public on ways to protect and restore the resources of the area’s watersheds.

You can learn more about the Muskoka River Watershed Council here. 

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