The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including the Harmony 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.
The Harmony Creek watershed is inclusive of 5 smaller subwatersheds and covers approximately 4665 ha. The watershed extends from Regional Road 3 to the confluence at Farewell Creek located north of Oshawa Second Marsh. Every 5 years Central Lake Ontario Conservation releases a report card to assess the health of the Harmony 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 Harmony Creek:
Harmony Creek has declined a grade since the last Watershed Report Card in 2013, receiving a new grade of “D”. The “D” grade is considered “poor”.
The Harmony Creek watershed is actually further divided into 5 other subwatersheds: Ritson, Wilson, Grandview, Taunton and Mitchell.
The Harmony Creek watershed has been recognized for its recreational potential.
Soils within the Harmony Creek watershed are more resistant to acidification due to higher concentrations of calcium carbonate which help neutralize acids.
Overall, the Harmony Creek watershed had the greatest water quality degradation compared to the Black and Farewell Creek watersheds.
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 Central Lake Ontario Conservation (CLOC) has produced extensive research about the Harmony Creek Watershed.
The CLOC organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.
