ProtectingOurWater.ca: A New Resource Website听

The Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region would like to introduce our new resource website, . This website will serve as the education and outreach hub for Source Water Protection in the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region. It's delivered in partnership with the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) and municipal partners to equip residents, businesses, and planners with knowledge and tools to protect our shared water sources.听

Under Ontario's Clean Water Act, 2006, source water protection is the foundational "first barrier" in a multi鈥慴arrier framework to ensure safe drinking water from source to tap. ProtectingOurWater.ca explains:听

• What source water protection is and why it is essential for public health and long-term community resilience.听

• The 21 Drinking Water Threats and what you can do to help mitigate each threat.听

• Private Well best practices.听

• Municipalities in partnership with 糖心直播 along with their drinking water systems and local hazardous waste depots.听

Learn all about Source Water Protection and the role of Risk Managament Services. Resources like fact sheets, training videos, agriculture and chemical threat guides, spill鈥憆esponse templates, and FAQs to support landowners and tenants in vulnerable zones.听

What You Can Do:听

• Check if you're in a Vulnerable Area: These are zones around intake or wellhead areas where sensitive activities must follow specific policies.听

• If you own or manage property in a vulnerable area: You may need a Risk Management Plan to ensure compliance with Source Protection policies. Templates and guidance are available on the site.听

• Take action in your daily life: From proper fuel storage to safe pesticide use, winter maintenance in salt鈥憇ensitive areas, and spill prevention.听

• Get involved through outreach materials: Informational videos, infographics, and a toolkit of resources to raise awareness.听

ProtectingOurWater.ca brings together everything from clear explanations, actionable resources, local guidelines, and legal requirements related to Drinking Water Source Protection under Ontario's Clean Water Act, 2006. Whether you're a homeowner, municipal planner, or business owner, this site supports you in being a champion for clean water now and into the future.听

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Installation of Vegetated Mats at Pittock Conservation Area听

For the first time, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) has installed live vegetated mats as part of a new restoration initiative at Pittock Conservation Area. Each mat, measuring approximately 0.25 m虏, was pre-seeded with native wetland plants, including broadleaf cattail, common arrowhead, and soft-stem bulrush. These species are well adapted to the shallow water conditions found in Southwestern Ontario.听

Vegetated mats, also known as bioengineering mats, represent an innovative form of natural infrastructure that supports both erosion control and ecological restoration. This technique was first introduced in the early 2000s. While it has been widely adopted in some regions, the use of vegetated mats in Southwestern Ontario remains in its early stages. By pre-establishing plant roots within biodegradable matting, this approach allows for faster soil stabilization, improved water quality, and a diverse habitat.听

At Pittock, the mats were installed in approximately 10 cm of water within a newly constructed erosion control bay. Even as staff placed the mats, the site was already alive with activity, demonstrating how quickly wildlife responds to restored habitat. Staff observed many bright blue damselflies and dragonflies exploring the vegetation, as well as sightings of a kingfisher and a great blue heron.听

This project represents a promising step forward in applying innovative, nature-based solutions to protect infrastructure, enhance water quality, and support biodiversity within local watersheds.听

View our for more.听

Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria

糖心直播 (UTRCA) staff recently waded in to help aquatic wildlife following an unplanned drawdown of Lake Victoria in Stratford.听听

Water levels in the man-made lake slowly receded after a sluice gate in the RT Orr Dam could not close completely due to debris during a storm on July 24. The gradual decrease in water levels gave staff time to move many aquatic species.听听

Led by UTRCA's Aquatic Biologist, a team of 12 staff spent three days along the shoreline rescuing stranded mussels, as well as one puddle of fish (Common Shiner, Bluegill, and Green Sunfish) which were netted back into the water.听听

While some Snapping Turtles were spotted by the reservoir, they had successfully moved to safer areas during the drawdown. Other reports of turtle sightings did not require response.听

The recovery efforts moved 1,075 stranded mussels from low water areas to further upstream where water levels remained higher. The mussel species included Fatmucket, Slippershell, Creeper, Creek Heelsplitter, Cylindrical Papershell, and Giant Floater.听

Freshwater mussels benefit aquatic ecosystems in many ways. They act as natural water filters, improving clarity and removing excess nutrients. Their role in the ecosystem also extends to carbon sequestration and providing a food source for various animals. Freshwater mussels are the most imperilled aquatic species in Ontario and are an important population in the lake's ecosystem.听

By July 31, water levels were low enough for UTRCA staff to safely remove the debris and close the gate. The Avon River is gradually refilling the lake, with much needed help of runoff from localized heavy rain on August 12.听

Please visit the UTRCA website for more information about the RT Orr Dam.

Perth South Tree Power Returns!

The Township of Perth South and the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been extremely well-received each year, with trees selling quickly.

Tree orders for this year will open on Tuesday, August 19 at 9 am. The trees will be available for pick up at the Perth South Municipal Office in St. Pauls on Saturday, September 27. The goal of this project is to create a greener and more beautiful community by adding native trees.

鈥淭ree Power in Perth South exemplifies the successful partnerships between UTRCA, the Township, and Perth County. This annual event has been warmly received by our residents,鈥� says Sue Orr, Mayor of the Township of Perth South.

鈥�The UTRCA is very happy to partner with the Township of Perth South and run the Tree Power program for a fifth year. It鈥檚 a great way to provide residents with affordable trees. We have ten species that are well suited to growing in the area,鈥� says Rob Davies, UTRCA Forestry and Restoration Supervisor.

To purchase trees, visit the

Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards听

On a sunny afternoon at Pittock Conservation Area (PCA) on July 24th, our amazing team came together for the annual鈥疭taff Social BBQ鈥攁 well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and team spirit.

The event featured a classic summer menu of juicy鈥痟amburgers, sizzling鈥痟ot dogs prepared by master chefs Steve and Elijah, and a sweet treat of鈥痠ce cream topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It was a chance for staff to relax, share laughs, and enjoy each other's company away from the daily hustle of park operations.

The event was made extra special with the presence of鈥疶racy Annet, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA)'s General Manager, along with other听UTRCA staff. Their support and kind words reinforced how valued the Pittock team is throughout the organization.

But this social wasn't just about good food鈥攊t was also an opportunity to reflect on the important work being done at the park. We held an open discussion on鈥痵afety precautions, highlighting some of the鈥痬ost common workplace hazzards and how to prevent them. Keeping each other safe is always a top priority, and it was encouraging to see how engaged and aware our team continues to be. Andrew and Kaitlin, our Health and Safety Representatives for Pittock and Kailee, UTRCA's Health and Safety Specialist, shared some health and safety tips to keep in mind for the summer and how to be safe in hot weather.

One of the highlights of the event was the鈥疭taff Awards presentation, where team members were recognized for their outstanding efforts and contributions. These small tokens of appreciation go a long way in showing our gratitude for the energy and commitment our staff bring to Pittock every single day. Three staff in particular were our recipients of the Pittock Employee of the Summer (PEOTS Awards). The PEOTS are selected and voted by staff for the staff at PCA. This year's awards were presented by Tracy Annet to Crystal, Colin, and Ethan. If you are around Pittock this season, please be sure to congratulate our 2025 award winners!

We were also excited to share some鈥痭ew and upcoming projects鈥痶hat will help improve both the park and staff experience. From infrastructure upgrades to enhanced programming, the future at Pittock is looking bright. Our very strong Seasonal Camper numbers are a wonderful reflection of our great camping and fun activities.

Throughout the day, Amy Bumbacco, UTRCA Communications and Marketing Specialist was working on a video for hiring, recruitment and promotional viewing pleasure. She was able to meet and interview all the PCA staff on what they do, how do they do it, and all the great learning opportunities that have been shown to them with their employment! Thanks Amy for your attendance!

A huge thank you to everyone who helped organize this memorable event, and an even bigger thank you to our incredible staff. Your hard work doesn't go unnoticed, and this BBQ was just one small way of saying how much you're appreciated.

Here's to a safe, successful, and sunny season ahead!

Steven Musclow, Superintendent, Pittock Conservation Area

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