Start Date:
July 2008
Funding:
County of Simcoe, Lake Simcoe Region CA, Municipal Grants, Nottawasaga Valley CA, Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH), Pestrin Group, Community & Private Sector sponsors
Lead Partners:
South Simcoe Streams Network Committee is made up of representatives from local municipalities (Adjala-Tosorontio, Bradford-West Gwillimbury, Essa, Innisfil, and New Tecumseth), industry (Honda of Canada), Conservation Authorities (Lake Simcoe Region CA and Nottawasaga Valley CA), Environment & Service Clubs (Lions Club of Alliston, Nottawasaga Steelheaders), Nottawasaga Community Economic Development Corporation, and community citizens. Other partners participating in 2025 included Banting Memorial H.S., Boyne River Public School, Nantyr Shores S.S., St. Peter’s Catholic S.S. Somerville Nurseries Inc., F&P Mfg. Inc., ScouTrees, Guides, Weeping Willow Tree, landowners and private sector groups.
Goals:
- To invest in streams together for community and waterway health
- To support and initiate community projects for healthier streams in South Simcoe combining multi-partner resources and community volunteer efforts for improved habitat, cleaner water and communal wellbeing
- To engage volunteers of all ages and walks of life from schools, youth and service clubs to business and industry to participate in stream rehabilitation
- To build cooperative partnerships to help generate the tools, know-how and funds needed to restore degraded stream systems
- To advance community awareness and appreciation of stream and river resources, ecological threats and benefits to local communities
Status:
The SSSN continues to achieve the goal of improving stream health through hands-on, community-driven action across the southern municipalities of Simcoe County bringing together volunteers from families and businesses to service clubs and school groups. We invest in streams for community and watershed health in collaboration with local municipalities, landowners, industry, conservation authorities, and many other partner organizations.
In 2025, the SSSN hosted 19 stream restoration events ranging from stream buffer tree plantings to in-stream installation of recycled evergreens for bank stabilization. Over 500 volunteers contributed more than 1,400 hours resulting in around 1000 metres of shoreline improvements with plantings of 4,600 native trees and shrubs across 13 sites. Partnering with the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority, additional restoration goals were achieved, including the creation of floodplains and wetland habitats that help with flood mitigation and enhance aquatic habitats.
2026 planning for spring Trees for Streams community events is underway. Volunteer events provide educational opportunities highlighting the importance of healthy streams and riparian habitats, maintaining biodiversity, and protecting watercourses. The SSSN program strives to provide meaningful outdoor opportunities for community engagement to foster environmental stewardship, connect communities to nature and positively impact the health of our waterways.
November/December 2024 Issue of Outdoor Canada Magazine:
Take a look at the latest issue of Outdoor Canada below to read about the inspiring restoration work being done on the Nottawasaga River. This feature highlights efforts to preserve one of our most cherished natural resources, supporting fish habitats, local wildlife, and the surrounding ecosystem. Whether you're an angler, conservationist, or simply a nature lover, this issue offers a closer look at the impact of these vital restoration projects.
