Town of BWG Recognized with Watershed Heroes Award for Innovative Litter Trap Program

Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (LSRCA) again honoured the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury with a Watershed Heroes Award, recognizing the municipality’s leadership in reducing pollution and protecting water quality through the installation of stormwater litter traps.

The devices, known as “LittaTraps”, have been installed in more than thirty stormwater catch basins across town. Over the past year, they have captured hundreds of kilograms of debris, keeping plastics, organics, pollutants and sediment out of the Holland River and, ultimately, Lake Simcoe.

“Protecting our waterways is a shared responsibility, and I’m proud of the proactive approach our Town continues to take,” said Mayor of Bradford West Gwillimbury, James Leduc. “Recognition from the LSRCA reinforces that our efforts—large and small—are helping to build a cleaner, more sustainable future for Bradford West Gwillimbury.”

LSRCA's Watershed Heroes Awards celebrate individuals, groups, and municipalities that demonstrate leadership in environmental protection, stewardship, and community engagement to improve the health of the Lake Simcoe watershed.

“This is about taking practical steps that make a positive difference,” said Councillor Jonathan Scott, Chair of the Town’s Green Initiatives Advisory Committee. “By installing litter traps, we’re cutting down on pollution at the source, protecting local waterways and showing how small, cost-effective investments can deliver real environmental results.”

This is the second year in a row that Bradford West Gwillimbury received an award from LSRCA. In 2024, the Town was recognized for the leadership of its Green Initiatives Advisory Committee and its efforts to advance grassroots environmental projects.

Our team is proud to see how effective these litter traps have been,” said Frank Jonkman, Drainage Superintendent for the Town of BWG. “Every bit of debris we capture helps keep our stormwater system working efficiently and protects the health of the Holland River and Lake Simcoe. It’s a great example of how innovation and teamwork can make a visible difference in our community.”

The Town is now considering opportunities to expand the litter trap program in priority areas, building on its early success and ensuring continued protection of the Holland River and Lake Simcoe watershed.