Canal Maintenance

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 occurs each spring prior to the July 1 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.

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, 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.

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.

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 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.

There are two water movers located in fixed positions in Lagoon City’s 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.

Blue-Green Algae

Movement of water in Gondola Lagoon through use of the water movers is particularly important to reducing the risk of stagnation causing the formation of Blue-Green Algal Blooms. Naturally occurring plant-like organisms, Blue-Green Algal Blooms are actually a type of bacteria known as cyanobacteria.

Once algae are present in the water, there is little that can be done to remove it. The slimy consistency of green algae doesn’t allow it to be raked or picked up by Lagoon City’s Harvesters as it slides through the screens of the equipment.

To learn more about Blue-Green Algae, including tracking areas it affects, the health effects that may occur from if contact, how to avoid exposure, and where to report a sighting, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

Harvesting occurs Monday to Thursday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Friday 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.

Lagoon City’s Aquatic Weed Harvesters are limited to harvesting no closer than six feet from shorewalls or any boats for the safety of the harvesters, their operators, and moored vessels.

Harvested weeds are the responsibility of residents who rake weeds at their shorewalls. Harvested weeds may be composted.

Debris in the canals can be reported by accessing the Township of Ramara's Report a Concern form and selecting "Lagoon City Canal Maintenance."

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.

• 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 can deter geese from entering properties.

The Township of Ramara prohibits the placing, dumping or disposing of debris, including grass clippings, leaves, or feces (including goose),  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 Goose Management Program page.