Lagoon City Canal Maintenance Update – July 9, 2026

The Township of Ramara is providing residents with an update regarding the Lagoon City 2026 Canal Maintenance Program and the ongoing approval process for aquatic weed management activities.

On June 12, 2026, the Township advised residents that following the 2025 season, as part of an internal review of operational practices, staff had been working with the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) regarding aquatic weed management activities within Lagoon City's unique municipally owned canal and lagoon system.

Confirmation had been received that DFO approvals were required before aquatic weed skimming and harvesting activities could proceed, and that staff were actively working with the DFO to complete the necessary approval process before operations could begin.

An application was submitted to the DFO in March 2026, and supplementary information was provided to the DFO in June.

On July 7, 2026, the Township received an update from the DFO indicating that the approval process is anticipated to take a few more weeks. This timeline has been provided by the DFO and remains subject to change.

The Township recognizes the significant impacts the current condition of the canals is having on residents. Increased aquatic vegetation is affecting navigation, recreation and residents' enjoyment of the waterways during the peak summer season, and we understand the frustration this is causing.

While the Township cannot control the federal approval process, Lagoon City canal maintenance is a priority for the Township and staff are doing everything within their control to move it forward as quickly as possible. Township staff remain in regular contact with the DFO, are following up frequently, responding promptly to requests for information, and continuing to do everything possible to help expedite the review.

The Township is prepared to begin aquatic weed management activities immediately upon receiving the necessary approvals.

At its meeting on July 9, 2026, the Lagoon City Parks and Waterways Commission (LCPWC) received an update on the 2026 canal maintenance program. Residents who would like more information regarding the process are encouraged to review Report LC-11-26.

While awaiting approval, staff continue to operate the bubbler system, monitor canal conditions, maintain equipment and carry out other components of the canal maintenance program. As per the direction at the July 9, 2026, LCPWC meeting, the water movers will be removed from service at this time due to a significant volume of noise complaints until further recommendations for operations can be received from Tatham Engineering. In the coming days, crews will be removing floating debris to help maintain the waterways wherever possible.

The Township remains committed to maintaining Lagoon City's canals and lagoons while balancing navigable waterways, environmental stewardship and the protection of fish habitat and the broader aquatic ecosystem.

We understand residents want to see aquatic weed management activities begin as soon as possible. Recognizing that legislative requirements, regulatory expectations and environmental best practices continue to evolve, our commitment is to restore the canal maintenance program as quickly as possible while ensuring all work is completed safely, responsibly and in compliance with current legislative requirements and environmental best practices.

The Township will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.