Living on a Waterfront

Waterfront properties are some of the most highly-sought and valued properties across the region. We can see impacts due to increasing development and changes to the natural shore. These changes affect water quality, shoreline health, and wildlife through the loss of habitat.

Shorelines are among the most important places on earth. Over 90% of aquatic wildlife use them for food, shelter, breeding, and raising their young. We can restore the shoreline, lake, and river health by actions taken on the land as well as the shores of our rivers, streams, and lakes.

View our Watershed Report Card to understand the current health of our local watersheds.

Healthy Waterfronts Checklist

Pump your septic every 3 to 5 years.
Address any shoreline erosion issues.
Stop mowing and allow the shoreline to become natural.
Avoid fertilizer application on lawns.
Enhance the shoreline by planting native tree, shrubs and wildflowers.
Identify non-native invasive species, and control them if possible.
Leave woody debris for habitat.
Choose an environmentally friendly dock.
Install eavestroughs and direct the downspout to a rain barrel or garden.
Minimize outdoor lighting.
Always refuel your boat with care.
Watch your boat’s wake, it can cause erosion.
Become a citizen scientist. Collect and submit data.

Planning to Develop Your Property?

Always check with Quinte Conservation before building or making changes to your shorelines. You will require a permit if your project is adjacent to hazardous lands. Hazardous lands include areas subject to flooding, erosion, dynamic beaches and unstable soil/bedrock such as Karst. This can include, but is not limited to, watercourses or waterbodies, slopes, escarpments, and wetlands. Before you begin work near water or hazardous lands, contact Quinte Conservation. Development is considered to be any site grading, construction of any kind, or any alterations to waterways, wetlands or shorelines. Development can include, but is not limited to construction or erection of buildings, bridges, culverts; straightening, deepening, dredging, a watercourse or the creation of ponds; installation of docks; changing the use of a structure; or the creation of a beach, boat launch or boathouse.