Putting the ‘Blue’ Back in the ‘Green’ City
MEDIA RELEASE: For Immediate Release: September 11, 2019
GUELPH –On September 10th, with the sounds of a jackhammer hammering in the background, the Hanlon Creek monitoring weir was removed within Preservation Park in the City of Guelph. The motivation behind the removal of the weir was multi-purpose. The project objectives were to remove the weir to improve the ability of fish to migrate upstream, while simultaneously lowering the upstream water level, which will narrow the channel and result in cooler stream temperatures.
Cooler stream temperatures and improved water quality are especially important for native species like the Brook Trout that are particularly sensitive to both. Brook Trout have been found in Hanlon Creek where they rely on the coldwater inputs coming from the groundwater rich area. Thanks to the removal of the weir, Brook Trout now have access to an additional 3.5 km of high-quality habitat to the headwaters of Hanlon Creek. Most importantly, it will improve the fishery’s resiliency to climate change for years to come.
This project would not have been possible without the efforts of many. On Saturday, September 7th, a group of approximately 30 community volunteers arrived on site to help fill sandbags that would be used in a temporary dam during the day of construction. Not only did this event help to raise money for the weir removal through the sponsorship of local businesses who ‘bought a sandbag’, but by installing the temporary sandbag dam ourselves, we were able to reduce the overall cost of the project. “Capital Paving Inc., the company conducting the weir removal construction, was willing to accommodate our request to be creative in keeping project costs low. We’re very pleased with their work and the final results of the project”, said Alex Meeker, Ontario Provincial Biologist, Trout Unlimited Canada.
In addition to the 100 Sandbags event, thanks to the generosity of many individuals and organizations, we were able to raise $7,525 through our crowd-funding efforts. A big shout out to two of our generous donors, the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan Committee for donating $8,000 between them. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the contributions of so many.
Before the end of the year, we are hopeful that a permanent, informative sign will be installed on-site to educate the hundreds of daily park-users about this important natural resource and the community of people who are invested in the continued well-being of Hanlon Creek and the coldwater species that live there.
The partners in this project include the Ontario Rivers Alliance, Trout Unlimited Canada, Canadian Wildlife Federation, Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry, the Grand River Conservation Authority, City of Guelph, Fishculvert, GSS Engineering Consultants Ltd., Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters, and the Grand River Fisheries Management Plan Implementation Committee.
“A big thank you to all those generous supporters who helped make this important project possible. The Hanlon Creek Brook Trout also thank you for their healthy new digs”, said Linda Heron, Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance. ___________________________
The Ontario Rivers Alliance (ORA) is a Not-for-Profit grassroots organization acting as a voice for several stewardships, associations, private and Indigenous members who have come together to protect, conserve and restore healthy river ecosystems.
Trout Unlimited Canada (TUC) is a registered Canadian not for profit organization. Our mission is to conserve, protect and restore Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and their coldwater resources for current and future generations.
Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) conducts its activities through a cooperative approach – working with people, corporations, non-government organizations, and governments to inspire collaboration in achieving wildlife conservation.
Alex Meeker Ontario Provincial Biologist, Trout Unlimited Canada Tel: (519) 763-0888
Linda Heron Chair, Ontario Rivers Alliance Tel: (705) 866-1677
Nick Lapointe Senior Conservation Biologists, Canadian Wildlife Federation Tel: 613-599-9594 x 219
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