Landscaping and Site Changes

What this means

Landscaping includes changes made to the appearance, grading, or vegetation on your property.

Examples may include:

• planting or removing trees and shrubs
• changing garden areas
• grading or reshaping land
• creating pathways or lookout areas
• installing drainage features
• changing how water moves across the property

Even small changes to vegetation and grading can affect how water drains toward Trout Lake.

Why landscaping matters near Trout Lake

Natural landscapes help slow rainwater and snowmelt before it reaches the lake.

When vegetation is removed or land is disturbed:

• runoff can increase
• nutrients and sediment may reach the lake more quickly
• erosion can worsen
• water quality may be affected

In many cases, leaving natural areas undisturbed is the best option for protecting Trout Lake and reducing long-term maintenance.

When should I review landscaping requirements?

This page applies if you are changing the natural features of your property.

You should review landscaping requirements if you are:

• clearing vegetation
• grading or reshaping land
• installing drainage features
• creating lawns or gardens
• importing fill
• undertaking construction that disturbs soil

Projects that disturb natural vegetation or drainage patterns can affect water quality and may require additional review.

Good landscaping practices

To help protect Trout Lake:

Manage water runoff

• install eavestroughs and direct runoff away from the shoreline
• use natural drainage features such as soakaway pits or swales
• avoid directing water toward the lake

Protect vegetation

• retain mature trees and existing vegetation where possible
• remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees only where necessary
• replant disturbed areas as soon as possible

Reduce erosion and disturbance

• minimize grading and land disturbance
• stabilize disturbed soil during construction
• use erosion controls such as silt fencing where needed
• use clean fill materials where fill is required
• restore disturbed areas with vegetation as soon as practical

Choose lake-friendly landscaping

• use native plants and perennials where possible
• reduce or avoid lawn fertilizer
• limit paved or hard surfaces that increase runoff
• avoid treated lumber within shoreline buffer areas

Before you begin

Before making significant landscaping changes:

  ✔  Protect as much natural vegetation as possible
  ✔  Consider how water will move across your property
  ✔  Minimize grading and soil disturbance
  ✔  Contact your municipality if your project involves major changes

Need help?

For questions about landscaping, grading, or site changes, contact:

• City of North Bay Planning Department 705-4474-0400 Ext. 2401 or zoning@northbay.ca 
• Municipality of East Ferris Planning Department 705-752-2740
• North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority 705-474-5420