BLOG

Note:  Meetings of the GSWA executive, board and general membership have taken place virtually during the pandemic .. in the future both “live” and Zoom meetings will take place as determined.

How to identify aquatic plants: SLELO-Gude-to-Aquatic-Plants-Final-VersionSLELO-Gude-to-Aquatic-Plants-Final-Version

Particular Invasive Plants of Concern – Links below:

http://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/plants/garlic-mustard/

http://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/plants/himalayan-balsam/

http://www.invadingspecies.com/invaders/plants/japanese-knotweed/

Recorded meeting on new shoreline restrictions:     https://youtu.be/UKd__wFv1Ws?t=2

Subwatershed Studies are available on the City Website for Junction Creek and Lake Ramsey. https://www.greatersudbury.ca/live/environment-and-sustainability1/lake-health/watershed-study/   Comments to the Ramsey Subwatershed study can be accessed through this link: http://gswa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ramsey-Watershed-Study-Submissions.pdf

Comments on the Junction Creek Subwatershed Study and Stormwater Master Plan by the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee, The Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance and The Coalition for a Livable Sudbury can be accessed by clicking this link:http://gswa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Comments-Junction-Creek-Sudy.pdf

Annual report by Junction Creek Stewardship:  2021 Annual Report_JCSC_compressed

Water Routes:  Many do not know how our sewer systems work.  This video gives a good review:  https://youtu.be/2Mquv9Qdz5o

Salt Levels in Ramsey Lake:  Video Interview with GSWA past Chair Richard Whitham on issue of salt levels in Ramsey Lake referenced in Community Release provided below: https://northernontario.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1905865&binId=1.1142313&playlistPageNum=1

Road Salt Problem:  Road Salt Threats – Report

Community Ramsey Salt Release http://gswa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Community-Information-Release-Salt-in-Drinking-Water-Feb.-2020.pdf

Letter (Motion) to City Council re Road Development in Ramsey Lake Watershed – 2023:  GSWA resolution – Concerns re roads – water supply – to City Council

AGM 2019 http://gswa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/GSWA-AGM-2019-Minutes-1.pdf

AGM 2020 GSWA AGM 2020 Minutes

GSWA General Meeting Minutes Nov 22-2021 GSWA General Meeting Minutes Nov 22-2021

GSWA General Mtg MINUTES Jan. 11th 2021: GSWA General Mtg MINUTES Jan 11-2021

GSWA General Meeting Minutes March 26th 2024: GSWA AGM 2024

We are blessed to have many sources of water in our area, but it must be preserved and protected.  All water flows eventually to the Great Lakes as shown in the map below:  Not only must we protect our local water but respect where it flows.

Map of Watersheds to Lake Huron from Northeastern Ontario

Link below to address to United Nations by Autumn Peltier of Manitoulin Island speaking on the importance of protecting our waters.

https://youtu.be/OusN4mWmDKQ

Winter:  Fun for many, but not for drivers and pedestrians.  Keeping walkways clear can be a challenges.  What are the best products to use.  The GWSA has conducted research locally to determine to the extent possible all that are available and the results are shown below and also can be accessed in pdf printable form for distribution here. GSWA Jan 2021 Decision Aid to Ice Melts and Traction Aids

Past Events:  

Many thanks to all those who attended our special “funraising” event on April 16th 2019 at the Sudbury Theatre Centre to see the comedy “The Birds and the Bees” together with complementary drink and treats – door prizes and silent auction -see the full house picture below – the one vacant seat you see was that of the photographer – all had a good time.  It was a “fun” night out and all money raised will go to further the work of the Alliance. 

Photo below of a General Meeting of the GSWA

Download (PDF, Unknown)

Download (PDF, Unknown)

2013-05-27 – Minutes of General Meeting

Download (PDF, Unknown)

Our Lakes Rivers and Creeks: Ask a Scientist! 9 May 2013

Download (PDF, Unknown)

2013-03-25 – Minutes of Annual General Meeting

Download (PDF, Unknown)

Looking for Lawn Fertilizer? Zero in on the Middle!

Effective April 1, a new municipal by-law restricts the use of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus within Greater Sudbury. You may no longer apply general-use lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus. Check to make sure the middle number of the ingredient formula is “0”.

Phosphorus is still permitted in the following situations:

  • When starting a new lawn from sod or seed during the first growing season
  • When a test performed by an accredited soil testing service shows the soil’s phosphorus level is not sufficient to support a lawn
  • For agricultural application
  • On sod farms and golf courses

This by-law only relates to lawn fertilizers and does not affect other types of fertilizers, such as those used for flowers, vegetables, trees or shrubs. It does not restrict the sale of lawn fertilizers containing phosphorus – only their use. When applying any fertilizer, residents are reminded to avoid fertilizing when the ground is frozen, when it is raining or forecast to rain within 48 hours, or within 15 meters of any body of water. If fertilizer spills onto an impervious surface such as a walkway, it must be swept onto the soil to ensure absorption.

If you’re concerned about the health of your lawn, check the pH of your soil to make sure it isn’t too acidic. You can purchase a simple soil test kit from local garden centres. If necessary, adding crushed limestone can decrease the acidity of the soil, which makes the nutrients more readily available to your grass.

This by-law is intended to help protect the health of Greater Sudbury’s lakes. In a community full of lakes, all chemicals, additives and products we use in and around our homes eventually reach the water. While phosphorus is a natural element needed for plant growth, too much phosphorus in a water body can be detrimental to the aquatic environment.

For more information, please visit
www.greatersudbury.ca or call 3-1-1.

Download (PDF, Unknown)

2013-02-25 – Minutes of General Meeting

Download (PDF, Unknown)

2013-02-18 Stormwater Committee – Meeting Notes

Download (PDF, Unknown)

2013-02-13 Stormwater Committee – Meeting Notes

Download (PDF, Unknown)

2013-01-14 Stormwater Committee – Meeting Notes

Download (PDF, Unknown)

2012-11-19 – Minutes of General Meeting

Download (PDF, 44KB)

Comedy Night – GSWA Fundraiser – 8 November 2012

Download (PDF, Unknown)