Community

Water Resources

The Township has a practice of removing the beaver dam at the outlet of Wasi Lake every fall; aiming for the first couple of weeks in October.  This practice was put in place to build capacity for the spring thaw and mitigate the flooding and erosion of multiple roads to the south of the Lake.

DISCLAIMER: The links and content on this page are for information purposes only and may not be the opinion of the Township of Chisholm staff and/or Council.  Any questions about these resources should be directed to the creator of the content and not the municipal office. 

 

Last Confirmed Blue Green Algae in Wasi Lake:

  • August 1, 2024.
  • August 3, 2023. 

 

Links to more information

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
Blooms can come and go throughout the season. If a test confirms presence of Blue-Green Algae, signs are posted at the beach and boat launch to inform swimmers that there could be a bloom present.
For more information visit:

https://www.myhealthunit.ca/en/health-topics/harmful-algae.aspxThis link opens in a new window

Harmful Algae Blooms FAQ

Ministry of the Environment

  • If you suspect an algae bloom on the lake you can report it to the Spills Action Centre. The Ministry of the Environment will come out and take a sample to be tested for Blue-Green Algae. The Ministry will send the Township the results. It is important to know that once there is a confirmed Blue-Green Algae Bloom, the ministry will not come out and sample the lake again. For more details on Algae blooms visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae

Other Resources

Invasive Species in Ontario

Hundreds of invasive species have infiltrated our lakes, rivers and forests. This puts our native fish, plants and animals and their habitats at risk. After an invasive species arrives it is almost impossible to remove it. This can cause irreparable damage to important habitats and ecosystems. For more information visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/invasive-species-ontario 

Visit the below guides on how you can do your part.

Anglers action plan

Cottagers Action plan

Boaters action plan

Gardeners action plan

Hikers action plan

 

Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program
In 1992, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, established the Invading Species Awareness Program in order to address the increasing threats posed by invasive species in Ontario. Our objectives are to generate education and awareness of aquatic and terrestrial invasive species, address key pathways contributing to introductions and/or spread, and facilitate monitoring and early detection initiatives for invasive species found within Ontario.

Invasive Species Act
Enacted in 2015 and amended in 2022 and 2024, the Invasive Species Act provides a framework for identifying, classifying, and managing invasive species in Ontario. As of the amendment in 2024, 28 species and 3 genera are now prohibited, meaning it is illegal to import, transport, possess, or release these species anywhere in Ontario. Additionally, 15 species and 1 genus are restricted, meaning it is illegal to import or release them anywhere in Ontario and illegal to bring them into a conservation reserve or national park. Under the Act, invasive species are non-native species that can cause harm to the environment, economy, and human health.

 

Invasive Phragmites
Invasive Phragmites (European Common Reed) is an invasive plant causing damage to Ontario’s biodiversity, wetlands and beaches. Invasive Phragmites is a perennial grass that has been damaging ecosystems in Ontario for decades. It is not clear how it was transported to North America from its native home in Eurasia.

Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native species for water and nutrients. It releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. While it prefers areas of standing water, its roots can grow to extreme lengths, allowing it to survive in relatively dry areas.

Visit Invasive Phragmites | Ontario's Invading Species Awareness Program  for more information. 

 

NORTH BAY MATTAWA CONSERVATION AUTHORITY (NBMCA) 705-474-5420 - https://www.nbmca.ca/ 

  • Lakes, rivers, and wetlands in Chisholm Township are all regulated by NBMCA. Chisholm has two watersheds, the Wistiwasing River and the Kaibuskong River. Development in or near the regulated area may require permits through the NMBCA. You must obtain permits before starting a project. The Conservation Authority offer FREE pre-consultation visits.
  • Permits https://www.nbmca.ca/planning-permits/: 
    • Sewage system permit - consultation with one of the On-Site Sewage System Area Supervisors if you are planning to do any of the following:
      • Building a new home or cottage
      • Building an addition with additional bedrooms or adding plumbing fixtures
      • Installing an outhouse, leaching pit or holding tank
      •  Replacing the bed or tank of your existing on-site sewage system
    • DIA Permits (Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses - consult with their staff before you do any of the following:
      • Place or excavate fill
      • Build a new home or cottage or replace an existing one
      • construct a home addition, driveway, garage, shed, deck or pool
      • build a shoreline breakwall
      • install a culvert
      • landscape which include filling, re-grading and adding hardscape or retaining walls
  • Source Water Protection Program
    • Mandatory maintenance inspections of on-site sewage system
      • Mandatory Inspections: NBMCA conducts mandatory maintenance inspections of on-site sewage systems identified in the North Bay-Mattawa Source Assessment Report as a significant threat to municipal drinking water sources. The Township of Chisholm is within the Callander Issue Contributing Area(ICA), this area is generally described as lands within 120m of any inflowing stream, river, lake or pond which can result in the input of phosphorus to Callander Bay. The Ontario Building Code requires that these inspections be conducted every five years.  Information about the Source Protection Program is available by visiting actforcleanwater.ca.

FISHERIES AND OCEANS 

Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-natural-resources-and-forestry

  • Forest Fire
  • Hunting and Fishing
  • Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program is a partnership between the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), and the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH).

Visit the link below for information on Ice Safety. 

Destination Ontario - Ice Safety