About

Healthy rivers and lakes thrive on balance. Phosphorus is a nutrient that is essential for life, however when too much of it enters our waterways, it fuels harmful algae blooms, reduces oxygen levels, and threatens drinking water, fish, and wildlife. Lake Erie is especially at risk. As the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes and the one most impacted by surrounding agriculture and urban development, it receives the highest phosphorus loads. This makes it particularly vulnerable to algae growth. 

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Recognizing the urgency of this issue, both Canada and the United States came together in the 1972 to sign the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA), committing to protect and restore these shared waters. This landmark agreement has been updated over time to address new challenges such as climate change and invasive species, but phosphorus reduction has remained a priority. Building on this foundation, the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario launched the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan (LEAP) in 2018. LEAP is Canada's roadmap for meeting phosphorus reduction commitments set out under the GLWQA. This plan focuses on a mixed approach, including supporting farmers and landowners who are utilizing best management practices, restoring wetlands, creating natural buffers, upgrading stormwater and wastewater systems, advancing research and monitoring, and strengthening community and Indigenous partnerships.

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In 2024, the Government of Canada announced a $76 million investment to support 50 partner-led projects focused on reducing phosphorus in Lake Erie, through the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. Several conservation authorities and organizations across the Lake Erie basin received funding for initiatives that directly address phosphorus reduction. This website was created to help landowners and farmers understand which practices and projects may qualify for funding, and to connect them with the appropriate conservation authority to access these resources and support.