CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: Conservation Halton is conducting channel restoration on Bronte Creek to improve habitat, water quality, and to reduce flood risk. From July 15 to September 2024, the parking lot will be closed for public and operator safety. For any questions or concerns, please contact restoration@hrca.on.ca.
Summary
Located at 1467 and 1441 Centre Road in the community of Carlisle within the City of Hamilton, Carlisle Conservation Area is a 28 hectare (69 acre) area owned and managed by Conservation Halton.
Creek restoration is underway to enhance community and ecological resilience to climate change.
Background
Bronte Creek flows through Carlisle Conservation Area. In the 1960s, the creek was widened, straightened and dredged. This led to warmer water temperatures, increased erosion and sedimentation, and a reduction in the quality of aquatic habitat throughout and downstream of the property. The modifications also increased the local flood risks by reducing the natural water absorption capacity of Bronte Creek. Existing features of the area include:
- Bronte Creek Watershed
- Greenbelt Plan – Natural Heritage System
- City of Hamilton Natural Heritage System
- Carlisle Wetland Complex Wetland of Significance
Restauration
This restoration project is a restoration priority in the Bronte Creek Watershed Study, 2002. The outcomes will include restoring the natural functions of the creek by improving water quality and aquatic habitat. This will help boost biodiversity in the floodplain.
From 2022 to 2023, Conservation Halton completed a project design in collaboration with consultants and conducted a public consultation. Permits and funding were secured in spring 2024. Preparation for restoration began with hazard tree removal.
Restoration of Bronte Creek will be conducted in two phases upstream and downstream of Centre Road.
Phase 1: Upstream of Centre Road (2024)
- Creation of equipment access routes and temporary closure of the parking area
- Excavation of wetland and salvage of vegetation for replanting
- Occurrence of a fish rescue within the isolated work area (prior to construction of banks)
- Removal of invasive species, Phragmites
- Use of excavated material, clean soil and logs to create new stream banks
- Planting of native species
- Installation of habitat features, including riffles in the stream
Phase 2 will be a continuation of Phase 1 activities downstream of Centre Road in 2025.
Benefits
If you have any questions, comments or would like to to be added to the project mailing list, please contact us at restoration@hrca.on.ca.
Funding for the design and partial construction of this project is provided by Fisheries and Oceans Canada through their Canada Nature Fund.
Funding is also provided by the Province of Ontario through the Wetlands Conservation Partner Program.
No municipal tax revenues are proposed to be used for the initiative.
