Wetland Restoration Program 2023-2024

The purpose of these wetland restoration projects are to create and enhance wetland habitat within the matrix of farmland and natural areas in the northern sections of Rouge National Urban Park. Wetlands provide important habitat for many species in the park and contribute to improved water quality within the watershed. By slowing runoff from agricultural fields, wetlands act as filters, removing contaminants like concentrated nutrients, and allow for increased water infiltration to replenish groundwater. The areas targeted for wetland restoration in 2023 have historically been heavily altered by human activity, especially agricultural operations. The planned restoration activities will target high-impact drainage areas adjacent to tributaries and drainage lines to optimize positive impacts to water quality and species that rely on wetland habitat.

The wetland construction will be completed through the excavation and regrading of existing drainage swales and wet areas. Berms will be constructed to retain water in specific pocket and pond areas to provide a combination of dry and saturated areas with some instances of open standing water. After the construction of the main wetland components, native tree and shrub species will be planted throughout the areas. Erosion and sediment control will be installed downstream of each work area and disturbed areas will be seeded with a mix of native riparian species to hold soils in place following restoration. Nest boxes and structural habitats such as woody log tangles will be strategically placed in each restoration area to provide additional habitat for a wildlife as the wetland develops and succeeds over time.


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

 

Latest update

April 19, 2023 – The public comment period on the project is closed. Parks Canada is considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects. .

Participate

Key documents

Key documents
Document Number Document Title File Date
1 New project being assessed by Parks Canada - Public comments invited from March 20 to April 19, 2023 - March 20, 2023

Contacts

Rouge National Urban Park
3545 Kingston Road, Floor #2
Scarborough, Ontario M1M 1R6
Telephone: 416-264-2020
Fax: 416-264-2167
Email: rouge@pc.gc.ca


  • Location

    • Rouge National Urban Park (Ontario)
  • Nature of Activity

    • Remediation and conservation
  • Assessment Status

    In progress
  • Start Date

    2023-03-20
  • Proponent

    Parks Canada
  • Authorities

    • Parks Canada Agency
  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands
  • Reference Number

    84424

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
Date modified: