Canal skimming occurs each summer in conjunction with the July 15 start of aquatic weed harvesting. It removes surface debris from Lagoon City’s waterways, and the collected material is transported by barge to off-loading locations for disposal.
Canal Maintenance
The Township of Ramara’s multi-faceted canal maintenance protects the health and navigability of Lagoon City’s canals through a variety of annual programs.
2026 Program Update
On July 21, 2026, the Township received approval from the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) to proceed with mechanical water canal maintenance activities, including skimming and aquatic weed harvesting. Staff mobilized immediately and have continued maintenance operations, including weekends when weather and staffing permit.
The DFO review established several requirements for the 2026, 2027, and 2028 operating seasons, including:
- No in-water maintenance activities may occur before July 15.
- Harvesting routes must not exceed 10 metres in width.
- One harvesting pass per season is recommended unless weed growth significantly impairs navigability.
-
Active monitoring is required during harvesting operations to rescue any fish affected by maintenance activities.
Township staff will be monitoring conditions through out the season to maintain Lagoon City's canals and lagoons while balancing navigability, environmental stewardship, and the protection of fish habitat and the broader aquatic ecosystem.
The Township will continue discussions with DFO ahead of the 2027 season to explore opportunities that may support skimming activities prior to July 15.
Canal Communications and Updates
Aquatic Weed Harvesting
To avoid and mitigate the potential for negative effects to fish and fish habitat, no cutting may take place prior to July 15. After that time, the harvesters will follow a pre-determined route through the canals to cut the weeds underneath the surface of the water. Routes and locations may change without prior notification due to weed growth, weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Typical Routes: Scoop Dogg & Harvey the Harvester
Aquatic weed harvesting routes and locations will be determined and modified during the harvesting season. Routes and locations may change without prior notification due to weed growth, weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Cedar Lagoon
- Windward Lagoon
- Beaver Lagoon
- Canoe Lagoon
- Concord Pond
- Leeward Lagoon South
- Gondola Lagoon (East of Laguna)
- Gondola Laguna (West of Laguna to Pier One)
- Turtle Lagoon
- Pike Lagoon
- Beach Cove
- Harbour Lagoon
- Entrance to Lagoon City from Lake Simcoe
Track the Harvesters - Harvesting Locations
| Date | Scoop Dogg | Harvey the Harvester |
| July 21 |
Gondola Lagoon (East of Laguna) Concord Pond |
Leeward Lagoon South Canoe Lagoon |
| Week of July 27 |
Canoe Lagoon Windward Lagoon Beaver Lagoon |
Canoe Lagoon Windward Lagoon Beaver Lagoon |
| Week of August 4 |
Turtle Lagoon Cedar Lagoon Concord Pond |
Turtle Lagoon Cedar Lagoon Concord Pond |
| Week of August 10 |
Canal condition assessments
|
Canal condition assessments
|
| Week of August 17 |
Canal condition assessments
|
Canal condition assessments
|
Other Canal Maintenance Programs
Clean Flo System (Spring, Summer & Fall)
Lagoon City’s Clean-Flo™ System is a laminar or smooth flow delivery method that directs a steady stream of gently moving microbubbles from the bottom of the water to the surface. The introduction of increased oxygen throughout the water column starts a sequence of beneficial events including aiding in reduction of odour and gases and organic muck.
Dredging, the physical removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of Lagoon City’s waterways, is accumulated when organic material from runoff containing grass clippings, leaves, branches, dead and decaying aquatic weeds and algae, fertilizers and waste, fill the canal bottoms decreasing canal depth.
Dredging projects are identified and budgeted in the year preceding when they will occur. Projects are determined through investigation completed by the Township of Ramara’s retained engineers and are typically scheduled during the early fall of the year following identification and investigation. Projects are budgeted on an as-required basis and operation of Lagoon City’s Clean-Flo™ System works to decrease the disruption of the canal bottoms Conventional Dredging causes.
Shorewall planting offers several benefits:
- Prevents phosphorus leeching into the canals
- Deters geese from entering properties
- Provides habitat for bees and butterflies
Native plants also offer the additional benefit of being lower maintenance by thriving with less water and not needing pesticides or herbicides.
View the article, Shorewall Planting with Native Plants, written by former LCPWC member Skip Beattie for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Hours Does Aquatic Weed Harvesting Occur?
Harvesting occurs Monday to Thursday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Harvesting operations stop on the weekend to ensure the safety of the harvesters, their operators and passenger vessels accessing Lagoon City’s canals.
What Should I Do With My Harvested Weeds?
Harvested weeds are the responsibility of residents who rake weeds at their shorewalls. Harvested weeds may be composted.
How Do I Report Debris in Lagoon City's Canals?
Debris in the canals can be reported by accessing the Township of Ramara's Report a Concern form and selecting "Lagoon City Canal Maintenance."
What are the Benefits of Native Shorewall Planting?
Shorewall planting acts to:
- prevents phosphorus from leaching into the Lagoon City’s canals,
- deters geese from entering properties, and
- provides habitat for bees and butterflies.
Native plants are lower maintenance and can thrive with less water than non-native. Native plants don’t require the use of pesticides or herbicides to promote their growth and health.
Visit the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority to learn about 100 Natives Species You Can Source.
I Have Geese on my Shorewall. What Can I Do?
- Scare tape can be strung across the shorewall, so that it flutters in the breeze and will deter geese from entering your property. Scare tape can be purchased from the Township Administration Building during business hours.
- Shorewall plantings can deter geese from entering properties.
The Township of Ramara prohibits the placing, dumping or disposing of debris, including grass clippings, leaves, or feces (including goose), into the canal as stated by the Township of Ramara’s Bylaw 2020.63. Dumping of waste can be reported by accessing the Township of Ramara’s Report A Concern.
For additional resources, visit the Goose Management Program page.
Sign up for our eNewsletter
Stay up to date on the Township's activities, events, programs and operations by subscribing to have notifications sent directly to your inbox.