OFGCC Environmental Committee

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The Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club (OFGCC) environmental committee is continually monitoring environmental concerns which occur throughout the area. In most cases, the committee acts as a watchdog over environmental issues. 

The Big Shoot Lock Project

In other instances, the OFGCC’s Environmental Committee takes a more active role, such as with the work done along the banks of Burl’s Creek. The committee worked in partnership with the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority and other concerned organizations to plant trees along the Creek banks in order to prevent soil erosion from running down the creek and into Lake Simcoe. This also reduced phosphorus and other contaminants from entering into the Lake.

The OFGCC is proud of our long standing history on environmental issues. When the Trent Severn Waterway wanted to install a Lock at Big Chute in the late1950’s, the Club’s Environmental Committee protested adamantly because the lamprey eel, which was prevalent in the Great Lakes would have a clear entry into all of the lakes and rivers connected to the Trent Severn Waterway, including Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe. As a result of our protests, as well as similar concerns raised by others, the Trent Severn Waterway decided to up-grade the existing Marine Railway at Big chute instead of installing a new lock. As a result the Lamprey eel never found its way into the waters of Lake Couchiching and Lake Simcoe to this day.

Working With The Community

Many times throughout each year the Club receives calls from the public concerning possible environmental problems. The environmental committee investigates the concerns and reports findings to the appropriate agencies for, advocating on behalf of the environment when action needs to be taken. Over the years the OFGCC has gained the respect of local governments and Provincial Ministries for our dedication to conservation and the environment.