“Urbanization on a waterfront always has an impact on a lake,” she said, offering Lake Simcoe as an example. “And we really want to see that enhanced.” “Protecting the watershed and maintaining natural vegetation” remains a key component to ensure the overall water quality of Trout Lake, Vandermeer emphasized. Lake front property generates a lot of money for municipal coffers through taxes, and over the years, Vandermeer has seen a drastic change along the shores of Trout Lake, from small cottages to mansions, and the concern for the TLCA is that more development will be allowed if the water quality remains high, but the fear is that future development may one day have an adverse affect on the water. “And we have asked about that, we really want to make sure that gets identified up front” as an issue for the study to include. “Warmer temperatures do reduce the oxygen content in lakes,” she said, “and nothing produced so far” within the study “has talked about looking at the impacts of climate change on Trout Lake.” Increasing temperatures may affect levels of dissolved oxygen within the lake, Vandermeer noted, “and lake trout are dependent on dissolved oxygen.” The association is also concerned that the study is not taking enough account of the possible effects of climate change, which “is probably going to have an effect on water quality” in the area.
“It is better to be cautious up front rather than trying to take action after there has been environmental damage.” The TLCA wants to ensure that future decisions concerning development on Trout Lake remain in the best interest of the water and the environment, and to achieve that goal, Vandermeer encourages residents to speak their thoughts on the issue while they can. Currently, the study is in the second phase of development, the public consultation phase.Īfter this, recommendations made by the public will be used to inform the study, and once the study is complete, this document will help guide future policy decisions, including land development, around Trout Lake for years to come. This new study is being prepared by the City of North Bay, East Ferris, the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority with help from Hutchinson Environmental Services Ltd, and J.L. Both have been “very proactive in putting in policies regarding land use measures to protect the water quality,” and the TLCA wants that to continue. Vandermeer and the TLCA acknowledge that the city of North Bay and the municipality of East Ferris are excellent stewards of the water.
“It’s very important in many ways, and also a prime recreational asset” for the area. “We’re concerned, to be honest,” Vandermeer said, “which is why we are watching this very carefully.” Trout Lake is unique in many ways, she noted, particularly known “for its exceptional water quality,” and a “native lake trout population.” See: Residents take to Trout Lake open house like fish to water Liza Vandermeer, a member of the TLCA’s board, urges residents to speak their mind to city hall about Trout Lake, as the information will help to shape the study which will inform future policy concerning the lake for years to come. Members of the Trout Lake Conservation Association (TLCA) attended the North Bay open house, which was held in the atrium of City Hall on March 13 and had an opportunity to share their concerns about the lake’s future. Recently, East Ferris and North Bay held open houses to provide information on the project and hear feedback from residents who have questions or concerns about the lake. A new watershed study and management plan is in the works for Trout Lake.
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