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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)

Aquatic Invasive Species Workshop – Sunday, 15 October 2017

Download (PDF, Unknown)

Invasive Eurasian watermilfoil spreading in Sudbury lakes

An invasive plant is spreading throughout the lakes of Greater Sudbury. It’s called the Eurasian watermilfoil. We spoke to a couple of members of the Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance about just how bad the problem has become.  September 28, 2017

Un texte de Benjamin Aubé, Radio-Canada, 25 September 2017

SUDBURY CITY HALL: Pilot project put forward in Sudbury to tackle Eurasian Watermilfoil

18 lakes affected in Greater Sudbury, including Ramsey and Nepahwin

Greater Sudbury city council is supporting a new pilot project that aims to control an invasive species that is spreading in lakes.

The Eurasian watermilfoil kills aquatic plants and is also an nuisance for swimmers, boaters and lakefront property owners.

City council is sending a letter to Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry Kathryn McGarry, and its representatives in Queen’s Park to support the Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance’s push to control the plant.

Nicole Wittke, a member of the alliance, made suggestions to city council on Tuesday evening on how to tackle the issue.

“I mean frankly, this is my personal opinion [but] I don’t think anybody should be allowed on Ramsey Lake unless they have their boat washed,” Wittke said.

“I think there should be a boat washing station set up at the launch and people should be charged.”   Read full CBC article here.

Presentation to Sudbury City Council – Eurasian Water Milfoil – Questions & Answers

Download (PDF, Unknown)

Road Salt Contamination – Ramsey Lake Sub-Watershed Study

The Greater Sudbury Watershed Alliance is concerned that the rising levels of sodium and chloride, elements of road salt, in Ramsey Lake may not be given the attention deserved. It is widely recognized that increased levels of sodium can have a detrimental effect on human health, and that elevated levels of chloride can adversely affect aquatic life.

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2017-08-24 EWM Committee – Meeting Notes

Meeting in-camera.

2017-08-15 EWM Committee – Meeting Notes

Meeting in-camera.

2017-08-11 EWM Committee – Meeting Notes

Meeting in-camera.

2017-07-26 EWM Committee – Meeting Notes

Meeting in-camera.

Water Wastewater Master Plan – Comments

Council cannot ignore water and wastewater infrastructure demands. Citizens may not see the direct harmful effects of ignoring necessary upgrades and maintenance but we will all eventually see the harmful effects to our environment and our quality of life. 

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