Shorelines

Shoreline

Much of this information was provided by the LCPOA Environment Committee, January 2021.

Protecting your Shoreline and the 30 Metre Buffer Zone

As cottage property owners, one very important way we can maintain the health of Lake Clear and thereby enhance our property values is by protecting our shoreline and the 30 metre buffer zone between the shore and your dwelling or private waste disposal system!

Your actions every day, as well as those of your neighbours, have a great impact on determining just how healthy and vibrant our lake is now and will be in the future, for the fish, wildlife, flora and fauna that inhabit our shoreline.

A healthy shoreline is a rich, yet vulnerable environment. An untouched shoreline and 30 metre buffer zone filters the pollutants that run off to the water, thereby enhancing the water quality and aquatic life. A natural shoreline, including overhanging trees, helps to cool the water and minimizes soil erosion, provides protection for a healthy environment that supports the feeding, breeding or raising of our wildlife habitat.

On the other hand, if there is little or no protective vegetation in that buffer zone, nutrients (primarily from your septic system) will feed directly into the lake and start fertilizing it. From a broad perspective, nutrients play a large part in reducing the level of dissolved oxygen in the lake, which is necessary to sustain aquatic animals, especially the lake trout.

The existing low level of dissolved oxygen in the lake is the primary reason why Lake Clear is designated as an “at capacity” lake.
An excellent reference resource for all things related to shoreline health is the “Lake Clear Shoreline Property Report, Summer 2012/2013”, which was distributed in hard copy to each property owner at that time. If you dust off your copy, you will find a wealth of pertinent information relating to the specifics of your property, including ideas for potential improvements to your waterfront area.

You may wonder what you, as an individual or family property owner, should do to conserve the precious health of our lake in order to protect its wildlife habitat. The following link is invaluable and provides many “before and after” examples of what can be done.
http://loveyourlake.ca/natural-shoreline/

For more detailed information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions below.

In July 2012, every LCPOA member received a copy of A Shoreline Owner's Guide to Healthy Waterfronts, a Federation of Ontario Cottagers Association (FOCA) publication.

watershed_booklet_full_2011_with_covers-1.pdf
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shoreprimer-english.pdf
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What can I do to protect my shoreline from harming the health of Lake Clear?

First of all, we recognize that most people usually want direct access to the lake for recreational purposes. A generally accepted rule of thumb is to keep at least 75% of your frontage in its natural state. The more of the 30 metre buffer that you can keep untouched, the better that will be for protecting both the clarity and quality of the water, by reducing the contaminants that will flow from the septic system and developed parts of your property into the lake.

2. What actions can I take to reduce the runoff of nutrients into Lake Clear?

First, you can introduce more vegetation that is natural to this environment throughout that buffer zone. This will help intercept the runoff and further filter it before it enters the lake. If trees have been removed in some locations to improve the view of the lake, you can continue to trim others rather than remove them. You can also leave pine needles and fallen tree foliage on the ground to encourage the growth of ground cover in that area. If your property has been cleared and your lawn reaches almost to the waterfront, consider not cutting the 20 or so feet nearest the lake. Also consider planting shrubs and wild flowers to enhance the aesthetic appeal.

3. What actions can I take around the cottage to reduce rainwater runoff into the lake?

You can add eavestroughs to any existing buildings, and use rain barrels to catch the water runoff. Such water can then be recycled for plant watering.

4. If I need stairs to get down to the water, what type should I build?

The best type is open-backed stairs, because then light and rainwater can be caught on the soil underneath, encouraging the growth of naturally occurring vegetation. This helps keep soil in place to mitigate erosion and runoff.

5. What role does my septic system play in polluting Lake Clear?

Great question that we should all consider! Septic systems that are not working correctly or at capacity because of their age and health are one of the single-most causes of lake pollution. If they are not working properly, phosphates and nitrates that are in them can leach into the groundwater, and ultimately pollute the lake. These elements can aggravate water quality, cause algae blooms and ultimately kill fish, because they naturally cause the dissolved oxygen in the water to decline over time. Also, avoid using water unnecessarily. Every litre of water entering your septic system will ultimately find its way to the lake, carrying nutrients with it, which provide (excessive) fertilization to the lake. Never water the lawn above your septic system

6. How can I improve the functioning of my septic system?

First, keep in mind that septic systems are meant for the composition and distribution of human waste. They are not meant for things like food, grease and phosphates found in household soaps and cleaners, for instance.
Septic systems should be pumped out at least every 3 to 5 years. You do not need to put any kind of additives or use cleaners that are environmentally toxic in order to maintain your system. (Refer to “The Ontario Guide to Operating & Maintaining your Septic System”. Contact 416-585-6666 for a copy of this brochure.) One of the key things is not to use products that contain phosphates!

7. What does the Official Plan have to say about the shoreline and the 30-metre buffer zone?

The Renfrew County Official Plan (OP), which has also been adopted by Bonnechere Valley Township, deals with the natural shoreline issue in several sections:

2.2 Policies

2.2.11. Water Setback and Protection of Shoreline Integrity

(a) As undeveloped waterfront property becomes increasingly scarce, as existing properties become more intensively used, and as pressures mount to permit higher density development, there is a need to ensure the protection of the unique physical, aesthetic, and environmental character of the waterfront areas.

These measures are intended to minimize lake impacts by reducing phosphorus inputs, preventing erosion, and by maintaining a natural appearance of the shoreline. Lakes and water bodies are an important asset to the County and must be protected from development that is incompatible with the goal of preserving the shoreline in its natural state.

(d) The property between the shoreline of the water body and the dwelling or private waste disposal system will be retained where possible in its natural state to serve as a buffer which will assist in minimizing the land-surface transport of nutrients to the lake or water body and maintaining a natural landscape view from the water. The retention of the natural soil mantle and vegetation within 30 metres (or approximately 100 feet) of the shoreline of the water body is encouraged.

As a general guideline, up to 25% of the vegetation along the waterfront property may be disturbed for recreational amenity areas, pathways, and other waterfront uses.

(i) Temporary Uses and Structures adjacent to Inland Lakes
Temporary uses such as the seasonal use of recreational vehicles on lots adjacent to inland lakes can negatively impact lake water quality and pose a risk to public health and safety. Local municipalities are encouraged to develop measures to address temporary uses and structures (such as recreational vehicles) on lots adjacent to lakes, with the objective of protecting, improving, or restoring the quality of lake water, and protecting human health.

9.0 AT CAPACITY LAKES

9.3 Policies

9.3.3 (d) (iv)
The property between the shoreline of the lake and the dwelling or private waste disposal system will be retained where possible in its natural state to serve as a buffer which will assist in minimizing the land-surface transport of nutrient laden silt to the lake. The retention of the natural soil mantle and natural vegetation within 30 metres of the shoreline of the lake will be encouraged.

8. What Bonnechere Valley Comprehensive Zoning By-law 2006-28 says about the shoreline and the 30-metre buffer zone?

3.27 SENSITIVE LAKES

(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply to all lands within 300 metres of the high water mark of Lake Clear, in the geographic Township of Sebastopol:

(ii) Development on existing vacant lots with lakeshore frontage shall only be permitted under the following conditions:
2. No development, including the erection of buildings or structures, or the placing or removal of fill of any kind, whether it originates on the site or elsewhere, shall be permitted within 30 metres of the high water mark of the lake, except where such buildings, structures or fill are intended for flood or erosion control or boat docks and boat launching facilities
3. The area between (sic the shoreline and) the dwelling or private waste disposal system is to be retained where possible, in its natural state to serve as a buffer which will assist in minimizing the land-surface transport of nutrients to the lake. The retention of the natural soil mantle and mature tree cover within 30 metres of the shoreline will be encouraged.