Environment

The Township of Springwater depends on sustainability efforts to preserve our unique municipality. With growing pressures on our natural environment, it's critical that everyone does their part to protect our community for future generations.

Reduce your ecological footprint

A lot of biodiversity is lost because of human actions. To reduce your ecological footprint:

Grow native species or plant a pollinator garden
Carpool
Reduce, reuse and recycle
Buy local
Calculate your ecological footprint to find ways to use less energy

Fight invasive species

Invasive species pose a significant threat to our region by displacing native wildlife and plants. You can help by identifying invasive species, reporting sightings, and stopping the spread.

Identifying and reporting sightings

The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) identified 12 species especially harmful to our region. If you find invasive species on your property or in your community, report it:

by calling the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711
online, using EDDMapS Ontario

Stopping the spread

You could be spreading invasive species during your favourite activity. See the following action plans for tips on how to stop the spread while:

Spongy moth (LDD moth)

Spongy moth (previously called European Gypsy moth or by its scientific name Lymantria dispar dispar / LDD), is a non-native defoliating insect that feeds on a variety of tree species found in Ontario and throughout North America. The Township of Springwater's management program focuses on controlling outbreak levels of Spongy moth in areas with trees that are at risk of defoliation, typically oak dominant communities.

Residents are encouraged to report Spongy moth sightings using the Township's online reporting tool.

For more information on Spongy moth, including control options, visit springwater.ca/SpongyMoth

Plant trees

Trees help stop flooding and soil erosion, provide habitat for wildlife and are an important economic resource. There are programs to assist property owners with the cost of tree planting:

NVCA Healthy Waters Incentive Grant Program
Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program
Planting assistance from the Severn Sound Environmental Association

Corporate conservation initiatives

Energy consumption and emission reports

We report energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from municipal operations. Completed reports include:

2015
2016

Find more energy reports on the Government of Ontario's website.

City facilities

The Township Administration Centre is LEED silver certified. The LEED building rating system measures a building's environmental performance. The centre has efficient lighting, energy-saving systems, low water temperatures and the latest water conservation fixtures to minimize water use.

Wherever possible, we retrofit our buildings to improve efficiency.

Green initiatives

The Township promotes green initiatives through several policies that encourage green purchasing, using refillable water bottles and carpooling.