They took the lead out of paint, gas, pipes and more. Isn't it time to get the lead out of our lakes and tackle, too?
Fish Lead Free is an Ontario-wide movement to spread awareness about the harmful impact of lead tackle and promote safer, lead-free alternatives that protect our waters and the species that call them home.
By partnering with cottage associations, councils, and local businesses, we encourage communities to make fishing lead-free convenient across the province.
"Let's Get The Lead Out" is our initiative to reduce toxic lead fishing tackle from accumulating in the environment, where it is responsible for the deaths of millions of birds and other wildlife annually. Through awareness campaigns, safe lead disposal programs, and partnerships, we work to help make lead-free fishing an easy choice for all anglers.
Lead is toxic to all living things, including people, and it threatens our water quality. Reducing the use of lead tackle is key to preserving cottage country - sign our petition and help us nudge anglers towards the better choice.
The lead equivalent of 20,000 car batteries or 44 fully loaded dump truck worth of lead enters our lakes and rivers annually from lost fishing tackle.
Lead fishing tackle is dangerous because:
Our petition asks the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to ban the sale and use of lead sinkers, weights & jigs under 50 grams (1.75 oz) in weight, and any lead-headed tackle under 6.5cm (2.5”) in length.
Why? Because this leading cause of death in the province of Ontario for the Common Loon - Ontario’s official bird - and many other wildlife.
Similar bans have been effective in New Hampshire, New York, and Maine, where lead-related deaths in loons and another animals began to decline after their bans were implemented.
Restricting the use of certain types and sizes of lead fishing tackle is a critical and practical step toward safeguarding Ontario's environment and biodiversity. It balances the needs of anglers for cheap tackle with the need to protect of our wildlife and waters.
Moreover, this change would bring Ontario's fishing regulations in closer alignment with Parks Canada, which already prohibits lead tackle in national parks to prevent harm to wildlife.
Help amplify our voice by collecting signatures from your network of friends, neighbours, and community members. Most people care, they just need to be asked.
Alternatively contact your local Lake Association or Community Group – many are facilitating signature collection at meetings.
Petitioners must be residents of Ontario, including seasonal residents at the time of signing (example: a resident living in another Canadian Province or Country but residing at a seasonally owned Ontario cottage at the time of signing).
Please be advised that the capacity to sign is not limited to Canadians. American cottagers who own property in Ontario are most welcome to do so as well, as long as you use your Canadian address and postal codes.
There are no age restrictions for petitioners provided they are fully informed and understand what they are signing.
All signatures must be original and must be written directly on the petition. Online petitions are not allowed.
Return signed petitions to "Let's Get The Lead Out"
C/O 9 Garland Lane, Godfrey Ontario K0H 1T0.
Donations are gratefully accepted, and your contribution goes directly to our Let's Get The Lead Out Program. Every cent helps us take one more step toward a healthier, lead-free environment
Please e-transfer your donation to our Wolfe Lake Association Treasurer at: