Lake Simcoe overview
The application submission period for funding under the Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative is now open. The deadline for applications is 3:00 p.m. EST on November 26, 2026. Please contact us by email at LakeSimcoe-LacSimcoe@cwa-aec.gc.ca for more information.
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Overview
Lake Simcoe is the largest inland lake in southern Ontario and a significant source of drinking water for hundreds of thousands of Canadians. The region is one of the fastest growing in Canada with a thriving recreation and tourism industry. The watershed also contains significant natural, urban and agricultural systems including parts of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
Lake Simcoe’s water quality and aquatic ecosystem health faces risks from the effects of toxic and nuisance algae. Algae growth is the result of a combination of factors including excess nutrient runoff from urban and agricultural sources, invasive species and the impacts of climate change.
Through the Freshwater Action Plan, we are committed to collaborating with partners to support the reduction in nutrient pollution and resulting nuisance and harmful algal blooms to protect the health of Lake Simcoe for future generations.
Map of the Lake Simcoe drainage basin
The map shows Lake Simcoe and the boundary of its drainage basin, the major rivers flowing into Lake Simcoe and each corresponding sub-basin.
Funding opportunities
The Lake Simcoe Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative (FEI) is focused on supporting actions to reduce phosphorus loads to the lake to prevent toxic and nuisance algae.
To assist in achieving this goal, the Canada Water Agency (CWA) has made funding for protecting Lake Simcoe available to implement and increase adoption of best management practices or other approaches that reduce phosphorus loads, including innovative approaches or technologies.