The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including the Twelve Mile 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.
Twelve Mile Creek is a waterway located on the Niagara Peninsula in the Regional Municipality of Niagara in Southern Ontario, Canada. Its headwaters are located in the town of Pelham, encompassing some of the most unspoiled and natural areas of Niagara area. Every 5 years Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority releases a report card to assess the health of the Twelve Mile 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 Twelve Mile Creek:
Twelve Mile Creek is named because its outlet to Lake Ontario is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) from the Niagara River. It drains a watershed of approximately 178 square kilometres (69 sq mi), which is grouped into six sub-watersheds.
Twelve Mile Creek is the only identified cold water stream in the Niagara Region and has the only self-sustaining Brook Trout population.
The Niagara Water Strategy, NPCA Groundwater Study, and the Niagara Peninsula Source Protection Area Assessment Report have identified portions of Twelve Mile Creek watershed as highly vulnerable to groundwater contamination.
The Twelve Mile Creek area provides habitat for many bird species, including Acadian flycatcher, hooded warbler, Louisiana waterthrush and Kentucky warbler.
Large segments of Twelve Mile Creek are available for public access, with walking and cycling trails lining most of the lower creek. The creek, however, is facing challenges from increasing urbanization and from agricultural, industrial and domestic pollution.
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 Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has produced extensive research about the Twelve Mile Creek.
The NPCA organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.
