The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including the Credit River!
The addition of these waterways to the Greenbelt is an important recognition of the vital role the Greenbelt plays in protecting the hydrological features we rely on for clean drinking water, flood protection, and healthy ecosystems.
The Credit River is 90 km long and flows from Orangeville all the way down to Port Credit in Mississauga. Every 5 years Credit Valley Conservation releases a report card to assess the health of the Credit River Watershed. Grades around urbanized areas typically decline because of reduced natural vegetation and hard surfaces, such as roads and roofs. Protecting the urban river valleys is very important for our communities health.
Top facts about the Credit River:
Urbanization and population growth is placing the river's natural features and functions under stress. In the Region of Peel, the number of residents will increase from 1.4 million in 2016 to 1.8 million by 2031.
The concentration of chloride in the river can be as high as in our Oceans. Salt is very bad for freshwater plants and animals, and can even build up in our groundwater leading to year-round water contamination.
A new 100 km trail is being built in the Credit River. The trail will connect Orangeville to Port Credit, and will connect residents with nature and the rich cultural history of this area.
Surface water and groundwater quality ranges from good to very poor. Groundwater is a source of drinking water for over 100,000 people living in the Credit River Watershed.
Forest cover is poor in the southern part of the Credit River watershed. Ensuring consistent forest cover is very important since forests clean our air, store carbon and moderate temperatures.
Want to learn more?
Right now, we are working with community groups, municipalities and organizations across the Greenbelt to ensure the urban river valleys and the Greenbelt remain healthy for generations to come.
The Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has produced extensive research about the Credit River Watershed.
The CVC organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.
