Partner: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Location: Brampton

Spring Creek, is one of many watercourses in the GTA that are extensively channelized with concrete lining and reaching the end of their engineered design life. In time, failing channels can lead to uncontrolled and extreme erosion and contribute to local flooding. The targeted section of Spring Creek has experienced erosion and flooding damage from flash flows upstream in the watercourse.

The project will include removing of approximately 400 m of impervious concrete channel and restoring by re-introducing the natural meander of the creek; and 12,000 m2 of adjacent valley lands. Natural channel design methods will be employed, with a focus on channel habitat and floodplain enhancement. The project will also help reconnect the Creek back to the floodplain to assist in dissipating the stress to the channel during high flows by allowing it to spill into associated wetlands with the added benefit of a healthier riparian corridor and terrestrial habitat.

Project update (July, 2014)

• Scored and selected 3 priority sites within the Spring Creek subwatershed to develop detailed design drawings for channel naturalization works;
• Retained a geomorphologic consultant and are working closely with them to conduct geomophologic investigations on the 3 priority sites and develop detailed design drawings for these sites;
• Working closely with City of Brampton staff and local community groups to prepare and launch the municipal Environmental Assessment for the proposed channel naturalization works within the Spring Creek subwatershed.