The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including Etobicoke Creek!
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.
Etobicoke Creek is 59 km long and flows from Caledon into Lake Ontario. Every 5 years Toronto and Region Conservation Authority releases a report card to assess the health of the Etobicoke Creek 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 Etobicoke Creek:
Urbanization and population growth have placed the river's natural features and functions under stress. Hard surfaces have directed more stormwater into rivers and streams increasing flooding, bank erosion, water temperatures, and decreasing water quality.
Etobicoke Creek is located within a highly urbanized watershed. Resulting in a very degraded natural system.
Brampton Esker is located near the Etobicoke Creek. The esker is a groundwater rich natural feature and was created 12,000 years ago when the glaciers retreated.
Surface water and groundwater quality ranges from good to poor. The good grades can be found in areas that are less urbanized and have more natural cover. These areas are healthier and better suited to clean our water.
Forest cover is poor in the Etobicoke Creek 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 Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has produced extensive research about the Etobicoke Creek Watershed.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.
