With less than two weeks left in 2024, crews at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are working hard to complete wetlands, shoreline and habitat restoration work in Conservation Drive Park, Loafer’s Lake Park, and along the Watson Valley south of Conservation Drive.
Wetlands provide essential eco-system services including, flood and erosion control, water filtration, heat island mitigation, and habitat for a plethora of animal and plant species. Loafer’s Lake was considered a priority as its water quality was among the worst in Brampton. Flood risk management is important along this water course as the City looks to intensify development in the downtown core.
This past February the Provincial Government’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) announced $2.5 million in support of the Etobicoke Creek Wetlands Enhancement Project, designed to improve accessibility and recreational opportunities in Loafer’s Lake Park as well as build additional wetland habitat along the Etobicoke Creek valley between Sandalwood Parkway and Mayfield Road. A condition of funding is that the project be completed before the end of 2024.
Work started in March in multiple locations. A total of 8 wetland areas were created or restored including Loafer’s Lake. Three wetland areas were created south of Mayfield Rd.
The wetland just north of Conservation Drive was expanded and enhanced.
Large tree trunks were installed in the area behind Somerset Drive Public School, both for habitat and for soil stabilization.
A watercourse at the northern edge of this area known as the Snelgrove Channel received particular attention. This underground storm drain and water channel is the remnant of what used to be a surface creek that was buried when the surrounding residential subdivisions were built in the early 1980’s. The original channel washed away over the next 30 years eventually dangerously exposing sanitary sewer infrastructure.
The channel was restored in 2014 using large rocks to create a naturalized waterfall plus a series of ponds designed to dissipate the water energy.
Unfortunately nature had other plans and by 2022 further bank erosion was, once again threatening the sanitary sewer pipes.
This time a large volume of rock was brought in to stabilize the channel floor and banks. Most of the massive rocks were removed and the picturesque but impractical waterfall and pools were replaced with a gentler slope and more rocks designed to slow the water speed.
Let’s hope this restoration will last for many years. Hat’s off to the team who appear to be delivering the project on time and on budget!
