This section explains how you can make a difference in stormwater management in your area. There are three subsections: Learn, Implement and Participate
Learn About Your Watershed
A Watershed is an area of land that drains to a particular creek or stream. There are 14 watersheds in Hamilton, each with their own features, environmental resources, and issues.
The map below shows Hamilton’s watersheds. Find your location on the map to discover what watershed you live in, and click on its name below the map to learn more about the issues affecting your watershed.
** Picture of Hamilton Watersheds
Sulphur Creek
Spencer Creek
Chedoke Creek
Red Hill Creek
Stoney Creek
Community of Stoney Creek Watercourses
Twenty Mile Creek
Welland River
Forty Mile Creek
Bronte Creek
Grindstone Creek
Big Creek
Fairchild Creek
Sulphur Creek
Description
Sulphur Creek drains from the Escarpment northward into Spencer Creek and eventually to Cootes Paradise. A significant portion of the watershed is already developed in the Ancaster Area. This area will see continued urban growth, the majority of which is associated with the development of a business part adjacent to the Hamilton Airport.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Soils within the Sulphur Creek watershed allow water to soak into the ground, recharging the groundwater supply and supplying baseflow to streams. Sulphur Creek also supports cold and warmwater fish communities, and contains several Environmentally Significant Areas, areas of natural and scientific interest, and a provincially significant wetland. Issues within the watershed include on-going erosion and flooding concerns.
Stormwater Strategy
As development in the Sulphur Creek watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
In order to address flooding and erosion concerns, stormwater needs to be slowed and stored. Stormwater management facilities provide both flooding and erosion control by storing stormwater and allowing it to slowly be discharged in a controlled manner. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands.
Spencer Creek
Description
Spencer Creek drains from the western area of Hamilton above the Escarpment in an easterly direction to Cootes Paradise. There is a significant amount of existing development in the lower parts of the watershed near Dundas, while land uses in the upper and middle parts are mostly rural. This area will see a small amount of new urban development, as well as plans to intensify development in existing urban areas.
Environmental Resources and Issues
In the upper portion of the watershed, permeable soils allow water to soak into the ground to recharge groundwater and provide baseflow to streams. The Spencer Creek watershed also contains a significant amount of provincially significant wetlands and Environmentally Significant Areas, mainly located upstream of urban development.
Stormwater Strategy
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Spencer Creek watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and contamination control.
In areas that are not being developed, Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for rural areas can be implemented by landowners. These include measures such as livestock fencing and reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides. For more information regarding Rural BMPs, please see the Implement section of our website.
Borer’s Creek
Description
Borer’s Creek drains from above the Escarpment in Waterdown to Cootes Paradise. The watershed is primarily rural, although an addition 12% of the watershed will be developed with urban land uses in Waterdown.
Environmental Resources and Issues
The soils within the Borer’s Creek watershed allow water to soak into the ground, recharging the groundwater and providing baseflow to the streams. Erosion is a significant issue in this area, which could be worsened by urban development. Borer’s Creek supports fisheries and contains several Environmental Significant Areas and provincially significant wetlands, including Cootes Paradise and the Waterdown North Wetlands.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
As development in the Borer’s Creek watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
In order to address flooding and erosion concerns, stormwater needs to be slowed and stored. Stormwater management facilities provide both flooding and erosion control by storing stormwater and allowing it to slowly be discharged in a controlled manner. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands.
Chedoke Creek
Description
Chedoke Creek is an urban watershed, which drains from the Escarpment to Cootes Paradise. Very little new urban development will occur within Chedoke Creek, as most of the planned growth would be through intensification in the existing urban areas.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Small areas of permeable soils exist in the Chedoke Creek watershed where water can soak into the ground. Typical of an urban watershed, Chedoke Creek experiences high runoff volumes, polluted stormwater, and few natural areas.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
In order to address flooding, erosion, and water quality concerns, stormwater needs to be slowed and stored. Stormwater management facilities provide both flooding, erosion and pollution controls by storing stormwater and allowing it to slowly be discharged in a controlled manner. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands.
Red Hill Creek
Description
Red Hill Creek drains from above the Escarpment to Hamilton Harbour. Much of the watershed has already been developed with urban land uses, however a significant amount of further urban development will take place.
Environmental Resources and Issues
The Red Hill Creek watershed contains unique “karst” geology features such as caves and sinkholes along the Escarpment. These karst features facilitate groundwater recharge and supply baseflow to the creek. Karst geology also poses a risk for groundwater contamination since stormwater runoff flows underground through these features.
Typical of an urban watershed, Red Hill Creek experiences high amounts of stormwater runoff, erosion, poor water quality, and flooding due to sewer backups in storm events. The natural features of the Red Hill Valley system are designated as an Environmentally Significant Area.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
As development in the Red Hill Creek watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Red Hill Creek watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and contamination control.
Stoney Creek
Description
Stoney Creek originates above the Escarpment and drains to Lake Ontario. The watershed is primarily urban below the Escarpment, but primarily rural above the Escarpment. This area will see intensification of the existing urban areas and a further 10% of the watershed will be developed with urban land uses.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Soil thickness is low in the Stoney Creek watershed above the Escarpment, allowing for water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. The water running through Stoney Creek is of poor quality, and parts of the creek may be susceptible to flooding. A provincially significant wetland and Environmentally Significant Area are located within the watershed, upstream of proposed development areas.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
As development in the Stoney Creek watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Stoney Creek watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and pollution control.
Community of Stoney Creek Watercourses
Description
This series of creeks and streams drains from the Escarpment to Lake Ontario. A significant portion of this watershed is urban, with most of development concentrated around the QEW corridor. This watershed will see intensification of existing urban areas and some additional urban development.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Most of the streams in this watershed below the escarpment have been channelized, meaning that the natural winding course of the stream has been changed to a straight course. This has reduced the capacity of these streams, thereby posing a risk of flooding. Some sandy soils in the Stoney Creek Watercourses watershed allow water to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. The quality of water flowing through the Stoney Creek Watercourses is characterized as impaired with high temperatures, which also impairs fish communities. An Environmentally Significant Area is located upstream of proposed future development areas.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
As development in the Stoney Creek Watercourses watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Stoney Creek Watercourses watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and pollution control.
Twenty Mile Creek
Description
Twenty Mile Creek drains from the Glanbrook area towards Lake Ontario. Existing land uses are primarily rural, however, this watershed will see future urban development in approximately 21% of the watershed area.
Environmental Resources and Issues
The Twenty Mile Creek watershed contains unique “karst” geology features such as caves and sinkholes in the Stoney Creek Mountain area, and at Sinkhole Creek. These karst features pose a risk for groundwater contamination from future development since surface runoff flows underground through these features.
There are 3 flood-susceptible areas in the Town of Smithville downstream of Hamilton, thus flood control is an important issue in this watershed. The watershed contains natural features including a provincially significant wetland, Environmentally Significant Areas, and Areas of Natural Scientific Interest.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
As development in the Twenty Mile Creek watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Twenty Mile Creek watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and pollution control.
Welland River
Description
The Welland River drains from above the Escarpment near the Hamilton Airport to the Niagara River. Existing land uses are primarily rural, however, the watershed will see development with urban land uses in approximately 13% of the watershed area, most of which is associated with the development of a business park next to the Hamilton Airport.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Water quality in the Welland River is degraded due to rural pollution, from airplane de-icing activities at the Airport, and from erosion causing sediments to build up in the river. A low amount of forest and wetland cover exists in this watershed.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
As development in the Welland River watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Welland River watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and pollution control.
Forty Mile Creek
Description
Forty Mile Creek drains from the eastern limits of the City of Hamilton. Within the City limits, it is a rural watershed, and will remain so, as urban development is not planned within this watershed.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Forty Mile Creek supports warmwater fish communities, and the watershed includes a portion of a provincially significant wetland and an Environmentally Significant Area.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
In areas that are not being developed, Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for rural areas can be implemented by landowners. These include measures such as livestock fencing and reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides. For more information regarding Rural BMPs, please see the Implement section of our website.
Bronte Creek
Description
Bronte Creek originates in the northwest limits of the City of Hamilton. Within the City limits, Bronte Creek is mainly rural, and will remain so, as urban development is not planned within this watershed.
Environmental Resources and Issues
A significant area where water can soak into the ground to provide groundwater recharge is located at the origins of Bronte Creek, which provides drinking water to more than a quarter of the watershed’s residents. Several flood-susceptible areas are also located within the watershed; therefore flood-control is an important issue in this watershed.
The watershed also contains several Environmentally Significant Areas, provincially significant wetlands, and areas of natural and scientific interest.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
In areas that are not being developed, Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for rural areas can be implemented by landowners. These include measures such as livestock fencing and reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides. For more information regarding Rural BMPs, please see the Implement section of our website.
Grindstone Creek
Description
Grindstone Creek drains through Waterdown to Hamilton Harbour. This watershed will see future urban development on the south side of Waterdown.
Environmental Resources and Issues
The Grindstone Creek watershed contains unique “karst” geology features such as caves and bedrock cracks along the Escarpment. These karst features pose a risk for groundwater pollution from future development since stormwater runoff can flow underground through these features.
Areas in Millgrove and Hidden Valley are susceptible to flooding, thus flood control is an important issue in this watershed. Water quality data shows a high amount of pollution in the creek, some of which is due to the Waterdown wastewater treatment plant. The steep slopes of the creek also pose risk of erosion. The watershed also contains considerable wetland coverage, including five provincially significant wetlands, as well as several Environmentally Significant Areas.
Stormwater Strategy
As development in the Grindstone Creek watershed continues, it is important that water is still able to soak into the ground to recharge the groundwater supply. This can be accomplished by implementing stormwater measures that encourage infiltration (water soaking into the ground). Such measures include installing pervious pavement and perforated pipes which allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground.
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Grindstone Creek watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and pollution control.
Big Creek
Description
Big Creek drains from Ancaster to the Grand River. The watershed is mainly rural, and will see approximately 5% of its area developed with urban land uses, including a business park near Hamilton Airport.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Permeable soils exist in the Big Creek watershed where water can soak into the ground, recharging the groundwater supply. Big Creek also contains an Environmentally Significant Area.
Stormwater Strategy
New development and intensification in developed areas have the potential to increase stormwater runoff in the Big Creek watershed, since formerly grassed areas may be paved over. This stormwater can also become contaminated due to development. In order to address large volumes of stormwater which may be polluted, stormwater management facilities can be installed. Stormwater facilities include wet ponds, dry ponds, and constructed wetlands, which slow and store stormwater, providing erosion, flooding and pollution control.
In areas that are not being developed, Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for rural areas can be implemented by landowners. These include measures such as livestock fencing and reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides. For more information regarding Rural BMPs, please see the Implement section of our website.
Fairchild Creek
Description
Fairchild Creek drains from the west side of Hamilton to the Grand River. Within the City limits it is a rural watershed, and will remain that way, as no urban development is planned within this watershed.
Environmental Resources and Issues
Permeable soils exist in the Fairchild Creek watershed where water can soak into the ground, recharging the groundwater supply. Fairchild Creek also contains provincially significant wetlands, Environmentally Significant Areas and areas of natural and scientific significance.
Alternative Stormwater Strategy Evaluation
In areas that are not being developed, Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) for rural areas can be implemented by landowners. These include measures such as livestock fencing and reducing use of fertilizers and pesticides. For more information regarding Rural BMPs, please see the Implement section of our website.
Implement
In this section, homeowners and business owners can find out more about stormwater measures they can implement on their own property.
Stormwater Best Management Practices for Urban Areas
Historically, development occurred without regards to the impacts associated with urbanization. These impacts include increased stormwater runoff, pollution, and less infiltration of stormwater into the ground. The effects of these impacts are increased flooding and erosion and poor water quality in streams.
Best Management Practices for Urban Areas have evolved in recent years to recognize that rainwater needs to be treated as a resource that must be protected and managed; instead of a waste to be moved quickly to another location.
Roof Downspout Disconnection: In some portions of Hamilton, downspouts carrying water from rooftops are connected directly to the sewer. These downspouts can be disconnected and allowed to drain onto grass or into a garden.
Rain Barrel: Disconnected downspouts can be connected to a rain barrel. Rain barrels prevent stormwater falling on the roof from entering the stormwater system, controlling the amount of stormwater reaching streams and lakes. Rain barrels also help conserve water, since the water collected can be used to water the lawn or garden.
Storm / Rain Garden: These gardens, usually comprised of native plants, are planted in low areas of a property, or where runoff accumulates. The garden soaks up the water, thereby diminishing the amount of stormwater runoff reaching the sewer system, and treating the runoff that enters the garden.
Soak-away pit: Underground units, typically filled with clear stone, are constructed and infiltrate water discharged from the downspouts.
Lot Regrading: Typical grading around buildings (greater than 2%) is reduced to allow more stormwater to soak into the ground. This control can also be implemented on residential properties.
Pervious Driveway: Using a pervious material (one that allows water to soak through it) for driveways, patios and pathways decreases the amount of stormwater runoff reaching the sewer system.
Tree Planting: Planting additional trees on your property decrease the amount of stormwater running off your property.
Green Roof: Grasses, shrubs and even trees can be grown on roofs of houses and buildings by adding a growing membrane overtop of the existing roof. The plants reduce the amount of runoff from the roofed area. Green roofs are most often seen on top of buildings.
Stormwater Best Management Practices for Rural Areas
Approximately 65% of the lands within the City of Hamilton are agricultural, including croplands and pasturelands. Management of agricultural practices to reduce pollution from nutrients and bacteria in streams and other water features such as Cootes Paradise and Hamilton Harbour.
Livestock Access Control: On agricultural properties where streams and creeks cross pasturing grounds, fencings and stream crossings can be used to prevent livestock from contaminating the water.
Buffer Strip Planting: These strips of grasses and other vegetation are planted along creeks and streams running through agricultural land to improve the health of the watercourse. The buffer strip acts as a filter for stormwater runoff coming from crop and pasturelands which may be polluted by nutrients, bacteria and sediments.
Conservation Tillage Practices: By leaving crop residue on the surface of soil and planting cover crops, the effects of soil erosion can be significantly reduced. This prevents creeks and streams from being polluted by eroded soil.
Nutrient Management: Nutrients (such as fertilizers) applied to agricultural land can be carried to local creeks and streams by stormwater runoff, polluting these watercourses. Timing the application of nutrients, rotating crops and using streamside buffer plantings are all aspects of nutrient management.
Septic System Replacement: Septic Systems that are not functioning properly can lead to contamination of the groundwater supply. Inspection of septic system and replacement of faulty systems reduce the risk of pollution to groundwater.
Fertilizer / Pesticide Reduction: Application of fertilizers and pesticides can pollute watercourses when they are carried by stormwater runoff to creeks and streams. Reducing the amount of these products applied to the land also reduces this problem.
Participate
Conservation Authority Initiatives
Restoration Project Cost Sharing (Hamilton Conservation Authority, Conservation Halton)
Rural farm and non-farm landowners of natural areas and watercourses can participate in this cost-sharing initiative. Grants may be provided to be put towards a portion of the cost for projects that improve water quality and habitat.
For more information, visit:
http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/environment/stewardship/waterqualityhabitatrestoration.asp
On-Site One-on-One Consultations (Hamilton Conservation Authority, Conservation Halton)
Owners of properties that contain a woodland, wetland, meadow, creek or stream can receive a free on-site consultation to learn how to improve the health of their watershed.
For more information, visit:
http://www.conservationhamilton.ca/environment/stewardship/landwaterstewardship.asp
The Environmental Assessment Process
The Environmental Assessment (EA) process is a planning tool used to identify the possible adverse effects of proposed infrastructure projects on the environment. The Ontario Environmental Assessment Act requires Ontario municipalities to complete an EA when undertaking capital works projects. Municipalities in Ontario have the benefit of using the Municipal Engineers Association's Class EA process for certain municipal road, water and wastewater projects.
For more information on how to participate in the EA process, visit:
http://www.hamilton.ca/CityDepartments/PublicWorks/CapitalPlanning/StrategicPlanning/ClassEnvironmentalGuide.htm