Environment

Kincardine's ecosystem is home to many native plants and species. Planting native species benefits the ecosystem by stabilizing soil, filtering water, purifying air and supporting wildlife. 

Native Trees to the Area

The Province of Ontario has created "The Tree Atlas". This webpage allows for you to learn which trees are native to Ontario and the best species to plant where you live. You can choose from your area within Ontario on the interactive map! 

Invasive species affect us all. For more information on Invasive Species in Ontario, please refer to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks page. 

Common invasive species to the area include: 

European Common Reed - Phragmites Australis

Invasive Phragmites is an aggressive plant that spreads quickly and out-competes native specieis for water and nutrients. It releases toxins from its roots into the soil to hinder the growth of and kill surrounding plants. While it prefers areas of standing water, its roots can grow to extreme lengths, allowing it to survive in relatively dry areas. Invasive Phragmites is a perennial grass that has been damaging ecosystems in Ontario for decades. This plant grows in stands that can be extremely dense with as many as 200 stems per square metre and can reach heights of up to 5 metres.

Find more information on the European Common Reed here.

The Municipality of Kincardine has taken an active approach regarding the eradication of  Invasive Phragmites throughout the Municipality as we are seeing positive results everywhere. This valuable work will continue between September 5 - 15, 2022 as we target our efforts along the shoreline and in roadside ditches throughout the Municipality.

Giant Hogweed - Heracleum mantegazzianum Sommier & Levier

This flowering plant is most easily distinguished by it's "giant" size. In the spring, usually up until about early May, plants are about 30cm in height and most easily dug up. Under ideal conditions, the plant is known to grow up to 5.5 metres high. Often mistaken for others in the carrot family, the Giant Hogweed can cause dermatitus in humans. Ontario listed Giant Hogweed as a provincially noxious weed under the Weed Control Act. 

Find more information on the Giant Hogweed here. 

Emerald Ash Borer - Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, 1888

The adult borer is a dark metallic green, 1/2 inch long. The larvae are a cream flat tapeworm-like with bell shaped segments up to 1 inch in length. The insect leaves wood pecker like activity including bark chips at base of tree. 

Find out more information on the Emerald Ash Borer here. 

The Municipality of Kincardine has partnered with Bruce County to provide green cone digesters to our residents. The Digesters are available for purchase at the Kincardine Waste Management Centre located at 437 Sideroad 15, Armow.

The Green Cone Digester is a smart, easy-to-use and efficient household tool that helps to reduce waste from food disposal. It's a clean, healthy way to minimize your family's kitchen trash while helping the environment. 

Refer to the Green Cone Manual for more information about the Green Cone Digesters.  

The cost per unit is $99.00 +HST (available for purchase during KWMC hours) 

For more information on the green cone and installation details follow the link below.

https://www.compostec.ca/the-green-cone.html

GREEN CONE MANUAL

The 2023 Tall Tree Sale is closed. Stay tuned for 2024 Tall Tree Sale details. 

Looking for information on how to plant your tree? The Tree Planting Instructions are available for those who are looking for more information on how to achieve a successful plant of their new tree. 

Water bottle filling stations help to greatly reduce our plastic footprints and encourages the use of reusable bottles. 

The Municipality of Kincardine has installed 3 water bottle filling stations for resident use. These stations can be found at the: 

• Davidson Centre - 601 Durham Street, Kincardine
• Dunsmoor Park Washroom Building - 870 Saugeen Street, Kincardine
• Bruce Avenue Soccer Fields - 440 Bruce Avenue, Kincardine

Garbage clean up days encourage the community to come together to collect litter within our community. 

There are currently no garbage clean up days scheduled. 

The Municipality of Kincardine continues to pursue clean energy opportunities to move towards an environmentally sustainable future. There is currently 5 electric charging station locations within the municipality. 

Electronic car charging stations can be found at the following locations: 

• Municipal Downtown Parking Lot (Queen Street, Kincardine) 
• Canadian Tire Tesla Chargers (811 Durham Street, Kincardine) 
• TownPlace Suites by Marriott (19 Millenium Way, Kincardine) 
• Penetangore Hub (529 Gary Street, Kincardine)
• Bruce Power Office Complex (380 Gary Street, Kincardine)

Film Plastics Recycling Locations:

1. Kincardine Waste Management Centre: 437 Sideroad 15, Armow - during regular operating hours

2. East Parking Lot-Kincardine Soccer Fields: 440 Bruce Avenue, Kincardine - 24 hours

Please familiarize yourself with which film plastics are acceptable (and not acceptable) for collection in these film plastics collection bins.  We endeavour to keep these collection bins free of contamination in order to keep this environmentally friendly program running permanently.

Don't know if you can recycle it? Check out the list of accepted film plastics here!