This step-by-step process is designed to prime a lake-fed, above-ground centrifugal or jet pump to ensure it has the necessary water pressure to draw from a lake or well. 

• Submerge the Foot Valve: Ensure the screened intake (foot valve) is submerged in the lake.

• Clear Debris: Clean off any silt, sand, or debris accumulated over the winter, which can block water flow.

• Check Integrity: Ensure the foot valve is securely attached and not damaged, as a faulty valve will lose prime. 

• Locate the Plug: Identify the priming plug on the top of the pump housing (the "wet end" or casing).

• Unscrew the Plug: Use a wrench to remove the square or hexagonal plug, turning it counter-clockwise. 

• Fill the Casing: Using a funnel or jug, pour clean water into the priming port.

• Fill the Intake Line: Continue filling until the water stays level with the top of the hole, ensuring both the pump casing and the entire intake line (down to the foot valve) are full.

• Tip: This can take several gallons of water, depending on the length of the intake pipe. 

• Replace the Plug: Reinstall the priming plug.

• Ensure Airtight Seal: Tighten the plug securely with a wrench, but do not overtighten, as this can crack the cast iron housing. Using Teflon tape on the threads can help prevent air leaks. 

• Open a Tap: Open a nearby cold-water tap, ideally an outdoor hose bib, to provide a release point for trapped air. 

• Start the Pump: Turn on the pump.

• Monitor Pressure: The pump should begin to operate. If it does not build pressure within 30–60 seconds, turn it off immediately to prevent damage to the seal. 

• Re-prime: If the pump fails to start, it often takes 2 or 3 tries to get all the air bubbles out of a long intake line.

• Troubleshooting: If the pump continues to fail, check the entire intake line for air leaks, which will prevent a vacuum from forming. 

Sources: Nightowl Monitoring, Ottawa Citizen, YouTube

• As of April 2026, the amalgamation of Ontario's conservation authorities is in the pre-implementation/transition planning stage, following a formal announcement by the provincial government on March 10, 2026. The Province is moving to consolidate 36 existing conservation authorities into 9 new regional authorities, with full implementation set for early 2027. This includes the Crowe Valley Conservation Authority.

  Here is the current status and next steps based on the latest information:

• Finalized Regional Model: The government has finalized the map to 9 regional authorities (increased from an earlier 7-region proposal),
• Transition Structure: The Ontario Provincial Conservation Agency (OPCA) was established via Bill 68 in late 2025 to lead the transition. Transition Committees will be established for each new region, starting in May 2026, to oversee the merger.
• Legislative Action: The government plans to table legislation in Spring 2026 to amend the Conservation Authorities Act to implement these changes, ensuring assets and liabilities are transferred to the new regional entities.
•  Timing:
• • Spring 2026: Legislation and regulatory changes.
  • May 2026 to Early 2027: Active transition period.
  • Feb 1, 2027 (Target): New regional authorities officially in place.

• Current Operations: Despite the announcement, existing conservation authorities continue to operate, with no immediate changes to services or programs during the transition period.

  Key Regional Changes announced March 2026:

• Western Lake Erie Region: Includes Upper Thames River, Essex Region, St. Clair Region, and Lower Thames Valley.
• Western Lake Ontario Region: Includes Hamilton, Niagara Peninsula, Conservation Halton, and Credit Valley.
• St. Lawrence River Region: Combines Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley, South Nation, and Raisin Region.

• The new regions are primarily watershed-based, covering southern Ontario and northern areas.
  
  
  

  The 9 New Regional Conservation Authorities

• Northwestern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority (Note: Lakehead Region CA remains a stand-alone, separate entity in the final plan)
• Northeastern Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• Western Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority (Covers areas like Thames River, Grand River)
• Eastern Lake Erie Regional Conservation Authority
• Lake Huron Regional Conservation Authority
• Western Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• Central Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority
• St. Lawrence River Regional Conservation Authority

• 
  Crowe Valley CA will fall under the Eastern Lake Ontario Regional Conservation Authority, along with:

• Cataraqui Region CA
• Crowe Valley CA
• Ganaraska Region CA
• Lower Trent Region CA
• Otonabee Region CA
• Quinte CA
• Kawartha Region CA

Some conservation authorities have expressed concerns about the pace of the transition, the loss of local watershed-based management, and potential impacts on services.

What does a Conservation Authority do?

Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities (CAs) are local watershed management agencies responsible for protecting people and property from natural hazards like flooding and erosion, managing natural resources, and regulating development in sensitive areas (wetlands, shorelines). They oversee over 150,000 hectares of conservation land, including forests and wetlands, and manage water resources such as lakes, rivers, and streams.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Natural Hazard Management: Protecting public safety by managing risks from flooding, erosion, and drought, including creating, maintaining, and operating water control structures (dams, berms).

Environmental Protection & Restoration: Protecting biodiversity, improving water quality, and enhancing natural habitats (wetlands, forests, fisheries) within their watershed jurisdictions.

Regulation and Permitting: Reviewing and issuing permits for development activities—such as housing developments or sewage system installations—within or adjacent to floodplains, shorelines, or wetlands to ensure they do not create safety hazards.

Land Management: Owning and managing over 500 conservation areas, providing recreational opportunities, nature education, and protecting natural heritage sites.

Watershed Stewardship: Promoting stewardship practices that lead to healthy watersheds, including tree planting and protecting groundwater.

Source: https://conservationontario.ca/

The Canadian Lakes Loon Survey (CLLS), delivered by Birds Canada, monitors the health of Common Loons and the lakes they depend on. Participants spend time observing loons at their favourite lake throughout the summer. For more information visit birdscanada.org/loons or call 1-888-448-2473 ext. 124.

Why Loons? Loons are excellent indicators of the environmental conditions in a lake. Survival of loon chicks is influenced by lake acidification, mercury contamination, and other factors. In addition, nearly all of the world’s Common Loons nest in Canada and over half breed in Ontario and Quebec, making the Common Loon a big responsibility for us to conserve.

Help Create a Loon-Friendly Lake

• Keep it calm but boat on: Slow down near wetlands and shorelines and keep your wake to a minimum. Wakes can wash out nests or separate young loons from their parents, which makes chicks easy pickings for predators.

• Play smart: Operate play / wake boats only in water that is at least 8 m (24 feet) deep, which helps prevent sedimentation, protects wildlife, and makes for a better wake.

• Steer clear: Steer clear of loons, waterbirds, and other wildlife. They may not be able to escape your path. Adults can’t protect their young if they are separated. Remember that paddlers and anglers can also panic loon parents. Ideally, you should stay a minimum of 64m from loons and nests.

• Keep it wild: Let native wetland plants grow along your shore. Natural shorelines provide shelter and food for both fish and loons while protecting your property from erosion.

• Be lead-free: Loons usually ingest lead fishing gear by eating a fish that has swallowed a jig or sinker or has broken the line, or by striking at tackle or fish being retrieved by an angler. Lead poisoning and death typically result. Request lead-free alternatives at your local tackle shop.

• Don’t discard: Loons and other wildlife can die from starvation when they become entangled in fishing line. Return plastics, metals, fishing line, tackle and other refuse to shore and dispose of it in appropriate containers.

• Don’t mess with the food chain: Don’t feed nest predators such as raccoons or gulls. Dispose of your waste properly.

• Be level-headed: Work to reduce large water level changes during the loon breeding season (May - July). High water floods eggs; low water prevents adults from returning; both result in nests failing to hatch. Talk to your local officials.

• Lobby for loons and lakes: Get involved in preventing air pollution and water quality issues.

• Spread the word: Place loon and lake conservation messages on websites and in papers and newsletters.

Simple Actions to Ensure You Have a Wildlife-Friendly Waterfront

• Evaluate your shoreline using resources such as Love Your Lake (https://loveyourlake.ca/about/).

• Keep the lot well-treed: never clear-cut. Start a buffer strip by leaving some grass uncut near the water.

• Keep a natural edge: replant areas lacking shrubs and trees with native species (naturaledge.watersheds.ca/; https://birdgardens.ca/); leave a buffer strip near the water.

• Build at least 30 m (100 feet) away from the shore.

• Give clear instructions to your contractors and monitor their work.

• Avoid spilling fuels, antifreeze, paint thinner, or other chemicals on land or water; clean up fast!

• Don’t use fertilizers, pesticides, or herbicides near the water.

• Use environmentally friendly soaps, detergents, and cleaners in your home.

• Pump out your septic tank regularly, every two to three years.

• Extend the life of your septic system by avoiding tank additives and minimizing water consumption.

• Refuel your boat with care: don’t spill a drop.

• Watch your boat’s wake: it causes erosion

Are you causing harm?

• You can harass and stress loons without even being aware you are doing so. While on the lake or shoreline, keep an eye out for the following and, if seen, move away:

• A loon splashing across the water, appearing to stand up. The loon is alarmed and probably defending its chicks.

• A loon vocalizing near you. The loon may be concerned about you being to close.

• A loon lying very flat on the shoreline with its head down. The loon is hiding on its nest, and if approached, may slide into the water, leaving the eggs exposed to predators.

• Watch your pets; please keep them away from wildlife.

SOURCE: https://www.birdscanada.org/bird-science/canadian-lakes-loon-survey

You must have a valid Ontario fishing licence to fish in Steenburg Lake.  The Fisheries Management Zone is #15 (Limerick Township).

Important:  Ontario and Canadian residents who are under 18 OR 65 years of age or older can carry a licence, permit, certificate or identification card issued by a federal, provincial or territorial government of Canada that indicates their name and date of birth and use it as a fishing licence.

Most people require a Recreational Fishing Licence to legally fish in Ontario. If you purchased a recreational fishing licence, other than a 1-day licence, you must carry your Outdoors Card when fishing. You must carry a licence summary if the current fishing licence is not listed on the Outdoors Card or if you have not yet received your Outdoors Card. If requested, you must present these documents to a Conservation Officer. An Outdoors Card is a plastic, wallet-sized card valid for 3 calendar years and used for administration purposes.

The province of Ontario sells 2 different types of Recreational Fishing Licences: 

• Sport Fishing Licence: For anglers who want full catch and possession fishing privileges. S refers to limits under a Sport Fishing Licence (for example, S-4 = catch and possession limit of 4)

• Conservation Fishing Licence: A reduced catch and possession limit licence that is ideal for anglers who want to live-release the majority of fish caught. C refers to limits under a Conservation Fishing Licence (for example, C-2 = catch and possession limit of 2)

All fishing licence products are issued on a calendar year basis from January 1 to December 31. 

For more information on purchasing an Ontario fishing licence, visit HuntAndFishOntario.com, or call the Natural Resources Information and Support Centre at 1-800-387-7011. 

Anyone who is not an Ontario or Canadian resident is considered a non-Canadian resident for the purposes of fishing licence regulations. Most non-Canadian residents require an Outdoors Card and Recreational Fishing Licence to fish in Ontario, including those 65 years of age or older. 

The following licences (for 2026) are available online or through all licence issuers or participating ServiceOntario locations. A 3-year Sport or Conservation Fishing Licence can also be purchased through our automated telephone line at 1-800-288-1155 when renewing your Outdoors Card.

2026 fees:

Outdoors Card:  Ontario, Canadian, and Non-Canadian residents $8.57 

Ontario Residents:  

3-year Sport Fishing Licence $79.71

1-year Sport Fishing Licence $26.57

3-year Conservation Fishing Licence $45.21

1-year Conservation Fishing Licence $15.07

1-day Sport Fishing Licence $12.21

Non-Canadian Residents:

3-year Sport Fishing Licence $249.57

1-year Sport Fishing Licence $83.19

3-year Conservation Fishing Licence $158.13

1-year Conservation Fishing Licence $52.71

1-day Sport Fishing Licence $24.86

8-day Sport Fishing Licence $54.38

8-day Conservation Fishing Licence $31.52     

Plus 13% tax.

Line Usage: Only 1 line per person is allowed for Steenburg Lake.  You may use up to 4 hooks per line.  For ice fishing two lines may be used.  When ice fishing, you must be within 60 m of any line or tip-up and you must have a clear and unobstructed view of the lines at all times. Any spring-loaded device which sets the hook for an angler may not be possessed within 30 m of any waters.

Bait:  It is illegal to deposit or release into, or within 30 m of any waters: 

• live or dead bait or baitfish, including fish eggs, gametes or fish parts

• the water, soil or other materials used to hold any of these items

When can you fish on Steenburg Lake:

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass:  fourth Saturday in June to November 30. Limits: S-6 and C-2 on a per day basis

Splake:  open all year. Limits: S-5 and C-2 on a per day basis

Yellow Perch Season:  open all year . Limits: S-50 and C-25 on a per day basis

Licence-free fishing weekends:

Ontario residents are provided four opportunities throughout the year to fish FREE without having to purchase a fishing licence. These dates include:

• Family Fishing Weekend (February 14–16, 2026) 

• Mother’s Day Weekend (May 9–10, 2026) 

• Father’s Day Weekend (June 20–21, 2026) 

• Ontario Family Fishing Week (June 27–July 5, 2026) 

Source: www.ontario.ca/document/ontario-fishing-regulations-summary

Fishing is a favourite pastime, and with warm weather and calm waters, summer is a great time to wet a line. But many anglers are not aware that a common item in their tackle box is harming the very ecosystems they love. Lead, despite being highly toxic, is still widely used in fishing tackle. These small pieces of metal can have big consequences for birds, fish, and even people. Thankfully, there are affordable and accessible alternatives, and local initiatives are helping to make the switch even easier.

How Prevalent Is Lead Tackle?

Many people assume that since hunting waterfowl with lead shot has been prohibited across Canada since 1999, the use of lead in fishing tackle must also have been phased out. The truth is, lead-based fishing tackle (e.g., weights, jig heads) is still widely used across Ontario, despite decades of research showing its harmful effects. 

Lead has been a go-to material for generations of anglers because it is cheap and easy to mold, but the environmental cost is staggering. An estimated 545 metric tonnes of lead fishing tackle is lost in Canadian waters every year (learn more here). These pieces often remain on lake bottoms or riverbeds, where they can be accidentally consumed by wildlife or slowly leach into aquatic ecosystems. Even casual handling of lead tackle can pose a risk—especially to children—due to the potential for lead residue to be absorbed through the skin or ingested.

Impacts on Wildlife

Lead tackle may seem small and insignificant, but it can be deadly to wildlife. Waterfowl such as loons, swans, and ducks often ingest lead weights when searching for grit or food along the lake bottom. Once swallowed, the lead is absorbed into their bloodstream, leading to muscle paralysis, organ failure, and often death.

Loons are especially at risk. In some regions, ingesting lead tackle is the number one cause of loon deaths. One study noted that 49% of necropsied loons were victims of lead poisoning. With loon populations already facing pressure from habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbance, lead poisoning is an entirely preventable threat that anglers can help eliminate.

Safer Alternatives

Non-toxic alternatives to lead tackle are widely available and perform just as well. Alternatives include tin, steel, tungsten, bismuth, and ceramic.

Look for tackle labeled “lead-free” at outdoor stores or online. Making the switch is a simple step every angler can take to reduce environmental harm. Thanks to growing awareness of the issue, more brands and retailers are stocking lead-free gear every year.

You can also trade in your old lead tackle through local exchange programs and community initiatives—some even offer rewards!

Small Change, Big Impact

The move away from lead tackle is already happening—and with your help, we can speed up the transition. Every lead weight or jig head replaced with a non-toxic alternative is a win for local lakes, wildlife, and future generations of anglers.

Help protect the species that call Steenburg Lake home by starting with something as simple as the gear in your tackle box.

• Switch to non-toxic tackle made of tin, tungsten, steel, or bismuth.
• Properly dispose of lead tackle at hazardous waste facilities or take part in local exchange programs.
• Encourage fellow anglers to go lead-free and talk to retailers about non-toxic alternatives.
• Support a local program like the The Manitouwabing Lake Community Association (MLCA) Let’s Get the Lead Out Campaign  to raise awareness and encourage anglers to make the switch to non-toxic tackle. 

For more information: stateofthebay.ca

Related News:

The 2022 FOCA Achievement Award was presented to the 

Wolfe Lake Association – Westport https://wolfelake.org/ (Frontenac County) for their “Let’s Get the Lead Out” initiative and lead fishing tackle buy-back program. This voluntary program was launched in 2022; by the end of the year, they had already collected over 100 pounds of lead, keeping this source of contamination out of the waterway. They also galvanized neighbouring lake associations to join their initiative including Upper Rideau Lake, Chaffey’s Area Lakes Association, Otter Lake, Charleston Lake, and also the Temagami Lake Association. A grant from South Frontenac Township helped to fund $10 vouchers for each person who turned in lead fishing tackle. 

Learn more online at https://wolfelake.org/toxins-in-your-tackle-box

Photo by Susan Holt Simpson on Unsplash

Article republished with permission of Georgian Bay Mnidoo Gamii Biosphere (georgianbaybiosphere.com)Originally posted July 1, 2025

Carleton University grad student – Caraline Billotte – who is researching lake stewardship and shoreline care has asked the SLCA to share a link to her survey which is aimed at people who own lakefront property in Ontario.

The survey is:

• Anonymous and takes 10–15 minutes

• Open to lakefront property owners aged 18+

• Participants can enter a draw to win one of five $100 gift cards

Survey Link: https://carletonu.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAUoVyLEUd7Vdqe  (NOTE: You have to scroll to the bottom of the information page and click the black box/white arrow at the bottom right of the page to start the survey.)

There’s something special about small communities — when we come together, we make a real and lasting difference. Now, residents of Tudor and Cashel Township have a powerful opportunity to do just that.

Mayor David Hederson has issued a community-wide challenge in support of Quinte Health North Hastings.

Here’s how it works:

• The Mayor has personally pledged up to $2,500
• He will match the total of resident donations dollar-for-dollar, up to that amount
• Together, we can turn $2,500 into $5,000 for local health care
• Every contribution helps strengthen care close to home

It’s a chance to show uour community spirit and demonstrate how much we value accessible, high-quality health services right here in North Hastings.

Why Your Support Matters

Let’s come together as a community, meet the goal, and make a meaningful difference for health care in Tudor and Cashel Township. Please be sure to note your township with your donation, so we can track the results.

Local health care services are essential to the well-being of our families, friends, and neighbours. Supporting Quinte Health North Hastings ensures that residents can access the care they need without having to travel far from home. Investments made today help enhance equipment, services, and patient care for everyone in our region.

Whether you’re able to give a little or a lot, every donation counts — and during this challenge, every dollar goes twice as far.

How to Participate

Ready to help meet the Mayor’s challenge?

Please consider donating — and don’t forget to share this challenge with friends and neighbours to help spread the word. Together, we can double our impact and strengthen care for our community.

Make Your Donation here:  https://nhhfd.ca/donation

-- North Hastings Fund Development Committee

If planning a gravel drop or major delivery this spring, remember Half Load Restrictions will be in place March 2 to May 1.

Half Load Restrictions protect roads from excessive damage while the winter frost is coming out of the roads.

Watch for signage notifying users of load reductions being in effect.

"‘Half Load Restriction’ requires that no axle of any commercial vehicle shall transmit to the highway, a weight in excess of 5000 kilograms. "-- Tudor & Cashel

As the daytime temperatures start to rise, so does the maple sap – syrup production can’t be far behind!

Looking for something fund to do near Steenburg Lake in March? Check out these fun events:

Maple March Menus:

For the month of March, 12 restaurants and brewers in the Hastings area are featuring Maple menus that include maple flavoured loaves, cookies, crepes, lattes, burgers, brussels sprouts, tartar sauce with fish & chips, chicken sandwiches, and a lineup of maple cocktails, mocktails, and wines.  Participating restaurants include: Bancroft Brew Pub, The Granite, Café BC, For the Halibut Fish & Chips and The Muse Gallery & Café in Bancroft. There are also locations in Stirling, Tweed and Deseronto. See more details https://hastingscounty.com/adventures/maple-march .

Limerick Fire Department Pancake Breakfast:

Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026

Time: 8:30-11:30 a.m.

Location: Limerick Community Centre

Address: 7645 Hwy. 620

All you can eat! Ages 0-5 $5, 6-12 $7, 12 and up $10. Proceeds to the Limerick Fireman's Association.

Bancroft Seedy Saturday and Maple Syrup Fest:
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Location: Canadian Peace Museum

Address: 19 Valleyview Drive, Bancroft

What’s Happening? Seeds, Plants, Herbals, Maple Syrup, and more!

Vendors & Information Booths: Browse unique seeds, gardening supplies, and connect with knowledgeable growers offering advice on soil health, native plants, and sustainable practices.

Warkworth Maple Syrup Festival:

Date: Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15 2026

Location: Warkworth

What's Happening? Jump on a free shuttle bus to Sandy Flat Sugar Bush, where you can enjoy a pancake breakfast, horse and wagon rides, maple taffy in the snow, and take in live musical entertainment.

Then it’s all about Maplelicious in the village! Take the free shuttle back to meander the beautiful downtown area. Visit shops, boutiques and cafés — all bursting with maple themed items.

This year’s special events in the village include Beer Garden by Fogorig Brewery, Mini Putt at St. Paul’s United Church, Artisan Show & Sale, Art Exhibit at the AH! Centre, and much more! For all the details visit https://warkworthmaplesyrupfestival.ca/ .

O’Hara Mill Homestead Sugar Bush Event:

Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Time: 10 am - 3 pm

Location: O'Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area

Address: 638 Mill Road, Madoc, Ontario, K0K 2K0.

What's happening? Come learn about how maple syrup was made at the Homestead!

https://www.oharamill.ca/events-calendar/sugar-bush-event-2

Four times a year, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario for free. This means you do not need to buy a fishing licence if you want to fish during:

• Family Fishing Weekend (February 14 – 16, 2026)
• Mother’s Day Weekend (May 9 & 10, 2026)
• Father’s Day Weekend (June 20 & 21, 2026)
• Family Fishing Week (June 27 – July 5, 2026)

There are two options to participate: join a public event near you or fish with your family and submit your “family event” to receive a free digital fishing package and be entered into a draw for a $500 Fishing Prize Pack from Lucky Strike, Shimano, and Ontario Out of Doors!

For a second chance at the prize pack, a photo contest on social media will be held February 14 – 16, 2026.