The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including the Graham 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.
Graham Creek is located in the west Nepean region and outflows directly into the Ottawa River at Andrew Haydon Park. Every 5 years the Ganaraska Conservation releases a report card to assess the health of the Graham 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 Graham Creek:
The poor conditions observed on Graham Creek are likely influenced by sedimentation, channel modifications and unstable flows throughout the system.
Graham Creek is classified as a coldwater system, with coolwater reaches.
Fish community sampling has identified multiple coldwater species within Graham Creek, including mottled sculpin and burbot.
Based on water quality monitoring, Graham Creek experiences regularly exceeds safe levels of phosphorus, E.coli, chlorides, iron and manganese.
Graham Creek has been extensively modified in an effort to reduce erosion and flooding, with several piped sections and extensive channel hardening/straightening throughout.
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 Ganaraska Conservation has produced extensive research about the Graham Creek.
The Ganaraska Conservation organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.
