The Greenbelt protection has extended to 21 major urban river valleys and 7 coastal wetlands across the Greater Golden Horseshoe - including the Oshawa 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 Oshawa Creek is a watercourse that flows 50 kilometres (31 mi) from its headwaters in the Oak Ridges Moraine to its mouth on Lake Ontario, at Oshawa, Ontario. Every 5 years Central Lake Ontario Conservation releases a report card to assess the health of the Oshawa 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 Oshawa Creek:
The Oshawa Creek watershed received an overall “D” grade surface water quality rating. The “D” grade is considered “poor”.
Despite degraded water quality in some areas of the watershed, Oshawa Creek continues to provide a productive fishery supporting many sensitive coldwater species.
Elevated concentrations of chloride have been occasionally observed at all surface water quality monitoring stations in Oshawa Creek.
The Oshawa Creek watershed contains a moderate amount of natural cover (23%).
There are no fish species at risk known to currently exist within the Oshawa Creek Watershed.
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 Oshawa Creek Watershed.
The CLOC organizes many events to help you learn more about the watershed, or you could check-out our events page.