The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including the Soper 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 Soper Creek originates on the Oak Ridges Moraine and has a drainage area of approximately 7730 ha (77 km2). Every 5 years Central Lake Ontario Conservation releases a report card to assess the health of the Soper 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 Soper Creek:
There are four subwatersheds within the Soper Creek drainage basin being Mackie, Soper North, Soper East and Soper Main.
The Soper Creek watershed is more resistant to acidification due to higher concentrations of calcium carbonate which help to neutralize acids.
Models show that the Soper Creek subwatersheds have adequate available water for most human consumptive uses.
Historically, the Soper Creek watershed was predominantly a cold-water system; however, changes in land use have caused a general warming of stream temperatures in some areas of the watershed.
The Soper Creek watershed received an overall “C” grade surface water quality rating. The “C” grade is considered “fair”.
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 Soper Creek Watershed.
The CLOC organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.
