1. Water Quality Protection

Surface water runoff contains pollutants such as:

• Fertilizers (nutrients) & pesticides
• Soil particles (sediments)
• Road salt
• Vehicle fluids (gasoline, etc.)
• Others (pet/livestock waste, septic leachate, etc.)

These pollutants result in:

• Algal blooms & excessive weed growth
• Loss of recreation opportunities (swimming, boating, etc.)
• Loss of fish and wildlife habitat
• Overall contaminated watersources
• Potential contamination of drinking water sources 

Naturalized, vegetated shorelines with lots of native trees and shrubs reduce these effects by acting as a buffer to:

• Absorb nutrients and contaminants
• Trap sediments
• Encourage infiltration

2. Improved Wildlife Habitat

• Native vegetation along waterways provides shelter, food and safe travel corridors for wildlife.
• The berries of many shoreline shrubs provide a critical winter food source for birds and other animals.
• Fallen trees and over-hanging branches and vegetation are a natural occurrence and provide excellent habitat and refuges for fish.
• Shade provided by vegetation can significantly reduce water temperatures creating a more favourable environment for many fish species.
• Healthy fish habitat and communities contribute significantly to the economic and social interests of many Ontario communities. Angling is a $2.4 billion industry (annually) in Ontario. (Ministry of Natural Resources)

3. Erosion Protection

Soils along the shorelines of lakes, rivers and streams are gradually weathered, displaced and deposited by various means including wind, water, ice and gravity. Although erosion is a natural process, it can be dramatically accelerated by changes in land use such as the removal of shoreline vegetation.

• Without the presence of a healthy vegetated buffer, shorelines have reduced resistance against erosion, potentially resulting in a loss of habitat, soil stability and land.
• Excess sediment in the water caused by erosion can be problematic for aquatic wildlife by reducing clarity, burying fish spawning grounds, clogging gills and limiting plant growth.
• Natural, vegetated shorelines help prevent erosion because the roots of trees and shrubs trap soil in place, stabilize the bank and help to absorb wave energy.

4. Others

Requires Less Maintenance

• Naturalized shorelines require less maintenance than alternatives such as turf grass and can be left to grow on its own with minimal pruning or trimming to maintain views.

Flood Abatement

• Shoreline vegetation helps to slow down surface water runoff and encourages infiltration into the ground. This helps to reduce peak water flow and flooding during storm events and spring melts. It also helps with ground water recharge.
• Stored water is released slowly during drier periods helping to maintain water levels.

Discourages Nuisance Geese

• Shoreline trees and shrubs discourage the presence of nuisance geese by obstructing their sight lines to the water.
• Discouraging geese prevents the accumulation of goose waste which contains e. coli and nutrients harmful to water quality.

Wind Breaks

Shoreline vegetation can help protect your property from wind by acting as a windbreak. Wind breaks have many benefits including:

• erosion protection
• reduced heating costs in winter
• reduced noise and dust

Phone : 613-692-3571
Toll-free : 1-800-267-3504
Email :

The City of Ottawa's Rural Clean Water Program looks to improve water quality in our local rivers, streams and creeks by reducing pollution and the volume of water running off the land. Teaming up with rural residents, the City offers financial support and technical assistance for on-the-ground projects that improve and protect water quality.

The program was developed in partnership with local farm and rural organizations, government agencies, municipalities and universities. The Conservation Authorities of Ottawa assist with program delivery.

To learn more about the program and available funding, or to submit an application form, please visit the City of Ottawa’s webpage.

It’s time for a shoreline makeover!

Want to fight erosion, discourage geese and spruce up your boring shoreline – all without breaking the bank? The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority offers a full-service, subsidized Shoreline Naturalization Program for waterfront property owners. We offer technical guidance, project management and financial assistance to help you get the job done!

Naturalizing a shoreline can have many practical and environmental benefits:

• Reduces water run-off that causes algae blooms and excessive weed growth;
• Significantly reduces shoreline erosion and makes your shoreline more resilient;
• Much cheaper and more eco-friendly than rock-based “rip rap” shorelines;
• Discourages geese;
• Invites more wildlife to your backyard paradise;
• Leaves less lawn to mow and more time to relax and enjoy the view.

Why naturalize?                                                                                                                                                              

Ninety per cent of all lake and river life depends on a healthy shoreline to survive. But this “ribbon of life” also plays a crucial role in filtering out pollutants, reducing erosion and easing flood risks. By adding a natural buffer between your home and the water, you are protecting the health of our drinking water, ecosystems and shores. 

What about my water access?

We know that convenient water access is paramount to an idyllic waterfront experience. Staff will work with you to prepare a customized plan that maintains your water access and your view.      

What’s involved?

1. Site visit: RVCA staff will visit your property to discuss your vision and assess planting potential. Site visits can be scheduled for June through October.

2. Custom planting plan:  Staff will work with you to develop a unique plan for your property, including recommendations for the best native species for your property’s growing conditions. They’ll discuss how you’d like to maintain your water access, seating areas and your view.

3. Choose your plants:  You can choose which native trees and shrubs you’d like based on your custom planting plan and the RVCA’s available species list, and we’ll order them for you. The cost of the plants is subsidized.

4. Delivery and planting assistance:  In spring, we’ll deliver your plants and, if you choose, we can even do the planting for you!

Who is eligible?

• Waterfront landowners along wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes within the Rideau watershed, who commit to maintaining a healthy shoreline;
• Lake associations, river groups or other not-for-profit groups within the Rideau watershed interested in completing shoreline demonstration sites, community plant hand-outs, or other shoreline stewardship projects.

Scroll over the pins to learn more about healthy shoreline habits:

Want to learn more? Contact:

613-692-3571 ext. 1192 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1192 or 

Resources:

• Shoreline Naturalization Program Species Availability List (PDF)
• Example Shoreline Buffer Plan (PDF) 
• Solutions for Shoreline Erosion: A Basic Guide to Bioengineering (PDF)
• Solutions pour l’érosion riveraine — Introduction au génie biologique (PDF)
• Benefits of a Natural Shoreline (PDF)
• How to Naturalize Your Shoreline (PDF)

Volunteers

The Shoreline Naturalization Program works closely with many volunteer groups to restore shoreline areas including Scouts, High Schools and corporate groups. Individuals interested in helping plant can register through the City Stream Watch Program.

Check out some before-and-after photos of recent projects:

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The Rideau Valley Rural Clean Water Program (RVRCWP) offers grants and technical assistance program for on-farm and rural projects that protect water quality in the Rideau River watershed outside the City of Ottawa (see map). We work in partnership with individual landowners to help protect the land and water we all rely on. 

The RVRCWP is guided by a Steering Committee made up of local citizens drawn from farm organizations, environmental interest groups as well as all levels of government with a direct link to the water environment. Projects completed create a win-win situation all around. The landowner gets a helping hand with the financing of conservation work, the program sponsors get the pleasure of giving back to their community, and our children and grandchildren get to enjoy a clean healthy Rideau River as our legacy to them all.

If you are interested in applying, contact the RVCA at 613-692-3571 ext. 1136 to register your information and confirm eligibility. 

Ready to apply? Download your application form here or click here for instructions. Please note you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to e-sign your form.

RVRCWP Eligible Project Categories

 *Available only to farmers with an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)

Please note: program grant rates may change without notice or be adjusted by the Review Committee.

More questions? Click here to view our FAQs (frequently asked questions).

Additional Links 

• Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority
• South Nation Conservation
• OSCIA - EFP Workshop
• Ontario Directory of Licensed Well Contractors