By Mike Anderson
The Town’s main dock in Jackson’s Point Harbour could pose a risk to the “water quality and natural environment” of Lake Simcoe, according to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
The 25-year old dock floats on blue unencapsulated styrofoam (polystyrene), which has been degrading over the past few years, releasing smaller blue styrofoam pieces into the water, much of which washes up on the surrounding shoreline.
In Ontario, unencapsulated expanded or extruded polystyrene in new floating docks, platforms, and buoys is now banned.
The Keeping Polystyrene Out of Ontario’s Lakes and Rivers Act, 2021, states that any new docks or dock repairs using these materials must have styrofoam fully enclosed within a protective covering.
It aims to prevent the release of harmful polystyrene particles into waterways, which degrade into microplastics – posing risks to aquatic life and potentially human health.
“The Ministry is aware of concerns about pieces of blue dock foam entering the water around Jackson Point Harbour,” Gary Wheeler, MECP’s senior spokesperson, said in an email to The Post.
“The discharge of the dock foam from the municipal docks into the lake is prohibited. The foam pieces could impact the water quality and natural environment of Lake Simcoe.”
Wheeler says while the Ministry has directed the Town to address the discharge, it’s up to the Town to find a solution.
“The Town is responsible for determining how they address the issue. While the ministry has discussed preventing options, we have not made any specific suggestions when it comes to mitigation,” he said.
In May 2025, the Town installed two mechanical skimmers at the dock to trap and collect pieces of blue styrofoam floating in the water.
According to Wheeler, Town staff report that the skimmers are effective and will remain in place to prevent the dock foam from being released into the lake.
He also said harbour staff conduct shoreline inspections and if foam is observed they collect the pieces for disposal.
Meanwhile, the Town added a replacement dock to its 10 year-capital plan; although, the installation date has not been determined.
However, Jackson’s Point resident Paul Brady, who first alerted the Town about the problem three years ago, believes the Town’s mitigation efforts are a band-aid solution.
Brady, whose boathouse is across from the harbour, says the two skimmers are not located in the right place and are insufficient to stop the spread of floating styrofoam pieces, especially during freeze/thaw cycles and storm events.
Brady says the Town needs to make replacing the dock a priority.
“The Town wants to see another ten years out of the dock, even though the materials it’s made from are disintegrating,” he said.
“The Town can’t suck and blow at the same time. It can’t pretend that it’s the keeper of the lake and yet leave it’s dock in this rotten condition.”
“The styrofoam particles are hazardous to the wildlife. The ducks eat it. We’ve had at least four dead ducks here in the harbour this year. It’s also being ingested by fish.”
Brady adds the Town needs to invest in the harbour to bring it up to the level of other marinas around the lake, replacing the docks and adding a pump out and fuel service.
“The current condition of the harbour is embarrassing. It should be the jewel of Lake Simcoe. It offers a fantastic view, but you bring your sights in closer and you see those aging, dilapidated docks,” he said.
“We’ve seen boats come into the harbour, look at the docks, and leave.”
- New Sutton Cenotaph unveiled before Remembrance Day - November 7, 2025
- Municipal speed cameras will issue fines until November 14 - November 7, 2025
- Trinity’s Pizza serves up hot slices with a smile - November 4, 2025
