Thursday, September 17, 2026
Thanks to a significant $375,000 gift over three years from the Green Sanderson Foundation, vital change is coming to the shorelands and waters of Lake Simcoe.
The Foundation’s gift to national freshwater charity Watersheds Canada will provide a much- needed solution for the tens of thousands of residents, animals, and plants that rely on Southern Ontario’s largest inland lake.
Over the three-year project, Watersheds Canada will work with local community partners, municipalities, and property owners to restore approximately 5,000m2 of Lake Simcoe’s shoreline—about the size of four Olympic swimming pools. The project will be community- informed, delivering practical impacts and focusing on creating lasting improvements, one shoreline and one community at a time.
“Lake Simcoe has been part of our family’s story for more than 80 years,” said Donna Green of the Green Sanderson Foundation. “It is a place that has given our family generations of memories, connection, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment. We believe it is our responsibility to help ensure future generations can experience and enjoy this remarkable lake the same way we have.”
Lakes are facing increasing pressures with the unprecedented demand for waterfront living. Healthy shorelines planted with native species of trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers are one of the most practical, cost-effective strategies for improving water quality, protecting wildlife habitat, strengthening climate resilience, and inspiring community-led action.
Lake Simcoe in particular is threatened by decades of deteriorating water quality. Growing phosphorus levels and algae blooms, rapid urbanization and shoreline development, increased road salt use, threats to wildlife and species at risk, and increasing climate change impacts are all compromising the resilience of this celebrated lake.
“Lake Simcoe is a national treasure, but it is also a vulnerable freshwater system in the direct wake of profound social and environmental change,” said Watersheds Canada’s CEO, Robert Pye, who grew up on Lake Simcoe near Atherley Narrows.
“Protecting Simcoe’s shoreline and water quality takes leaders like the Green Sanderson Foundation, and the hands-on action reputation of key organizations like Watersheds Canada. This gift will not only expand Watersheds Canada’s nationally-acclaimed shoreline restoration programming to Lake Simcoe, but also play an important role in restoring the local conservation spirit by bringing more volunteers and organizations together.”
Featured image: (Simcoe County)
