Bioaugmentation (Spring & Fall)

Working in conjunction with the Oxygenation provided by Lagoon City’s Clean-Flo™ System, Bioaugmentation is the strategic, periodic application of nontoxic, natural, beneficial microbes, enzymes and minerals or ‘Muck Digestors’ into Lagoon City’s waterways. These Muck Digesters become live organisms and physically consume the muck found at the bottom of Lagoon City’s canals.

In combination, Bioaugmentation and Oxygenation work to reduce the accumulation of years of organic material from runoff containing grass clippings, leaves, branches, dead and decaying aquatic weeds and algae, fertilizers and waste.

Canal Skimming (Spring)

Canal Skimming occurs each spring prior to the July 1st commencement of aquatic weed harvesting. Canal skimming removes surface debris from Lagoon City’s waterways, and collected debris is transported by barge for removal at Lagoon City’s Off-Loading locations.

Clean Flo™ System (Spring, Summer & Fall)

Lagoon City’s Clean-Flo™ System is a laminar or smooth flow delivery method that directs a steady stream of gently moving microbubbles from the bottom of the water to the surface. The introduction of increased oxygen throughout the water column starts a sequence of beneficial events including aiding in reduction of odour and gases and with help from  Bioaugmentation, organic muck.

In combination, Oxygenation and Bioaugmentation work to reduce the accumulation of years of organic material from runoff containing grass clippings, leaves, branches, dead and decaying aquatic weeds and algae, fertilizers and waste.

Dredging (as required)

Dredging, the physical removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of Lagoon City’s waterways, is accumulated when organic material from runoff containing grass clippings, leaves, branches, dead and decaying aquatic weeds and algae, fertilizers and waste, fill the canal bottoms decreasing canal depth.

Dredging projects are identified and budgeted in the year preceding when they will occur. Projects are determined through investigation completed by the Township of Ramara’s retained engineers and are typically scheduled during the early fall of the year following identification and investigation. Projects are budgeted on an as-required basis and operation of Lagoon City’s Clean-Flo™ System works to decrease the disruption of the canal bottoms Conventional Dredging causes.

Herbicide Application 

Following a review of aquatic weed control methods and programs, the Township of Ramara has discontinued the use of herbicide applications in Lagoon City’s canals.

Moving forward the Township’s aquatic weed management program will be conducted exclusively through mechanical harvesting. Harvesting operations began for 2025 following the fish-spawning protection period.

The Township has recently invested in a second mechanical weed harvester to increase weed control capacity. Harvesters are designed to remove submerged weeds along the canals and waterways of Lagoon City, helping to maintain safe and enjoyable use of the canals for boating and recreation.

Residents can view weekly harvester routes and receive updates on aquatic weed harvesting online. Please note that routes may change throughout the season based on weed growth, weather, and operational factors.

This decision was made following a staff review of the program, which evaluated the effectiveness of herbicide applications in relation to:

• Environmental protection
• Water system health
• Fish habitat preservation
• Operational costs and long-term sustainability

The Township will continue to work closely with the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission to monitor canal conditions throughout the season and ensure appropriate weed control.

Shorewall Planting

Shorewall planting offers several benefits:

• Prevents phosphorus leeching into the canals
• Deters geese from entering properties
• Provides habitat for bees and butterflies

Native plants also offer the additional benefit of being lower maintenance by thriving with less water and not needing pesticides or herbicides.

View the article, Shorewall Planting with Native Plants, written by former LCPWC member, Skip Beattie, for more information.

Water Movers (Spring, Summer & Fall)

There are two Water Movers located in fixed positions in Lagoon City’s Eastern-most Gondola Lagoon; one positioned to the North and the other to the South. Water Movement in Gondola Lagoon limits the possibility of free-floating, green algae growth that could otherwise be present in non-moving, stagnant water.

What hours does Aquatic Weed Harvesting Occur?

Harvesting occurs Monday - Thursday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Fridays until noon. Harvesting operations stop on the weekend to ensure the safety of the harvesters, their operators and passenger vessels accessing Lagoon City’s canals.

Will the Aquatic Weed Harvesters clean the area adjacent to my Shorewall?

What do I do with my Harvested Weeds?

How do I report debris in Lagoon City's canals

What are the benefits of Native Shorewall Planning?

Shorewall planting acts to:

• prevents phosphorus from leaching into the Lagoon City’s canals,
• deters geese from entering properties, and
• provides habitat for bees and butterflies.

Native plants are lower maintenance and can thrive with less water than non-native. Native plants don’t require the use of pesticides or herbicides to promote their growth and health.

Visit the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to learn about 100 Natives Species You Can Source

I have Geese on my Shorewall, what can I do?

• Scare Tape can be strung across the shorewall, so that it flutters in the breeze and will deter geese from entering your property.  Scare tape can be purchased from the Township Administration Building during business hours.
• Shorewall Plantings - As stated above, Shorewall plantings offer several benefits, such as:
• Prevents phosphorus leeching into the canals
• Deters geese from entering properties
• Provides habitat for bees and butterflies

Reminder that the Township of Ramara prohibits the placing, dumping or disposing debris including grass clippings, leaves, or feces (including goose), etc. into the canal as stated by the Township of Ramara’s Bylaw 2020.63. Dumping of waste can be reported by accessing the Township of Ramara’s Report A Concern.

For additional resources, visit the municipal Goose Management Program page where you’ll also find Government of Canada Resources and Legislation Governing Goose Management.