New partnership aims to restore water quality and habitat in Willow Creek in Oro-Medonte

UTOPIA, Ontario (September 25, 2024) – Today, the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA), Napoleon and Midhurst Landowners Group (MLG) announced a new partnership to restore Willow Creek in the Township of Oro-Medonte.

The partnership aims to improve water quality in Willow Creek and Little Lake while enhancing habitat for fish, amphibians, reptiles, mammals and birds. These goals will be achieved by stabilizing eroding stream banks to reduce sediment and phosphorus inputs, and by creating floodplain wetlands. The new floodplains will also play a role in reducing local flooding.

“Historical land use practices eliminated forest cover and removed the roots of trees and shrubs that held soil together and stabilized stream banks,” said Fred Dobbs, Manager, Stewardship Services at NVCA. “As a result, the soil on the stream banks eroded, depositing large quantities of sediment and nutrients into local streams, impacting both water quality and fish habitat. This stream bank stabilization project showcases how NVCA, businesses and developers can work together to improve water quality in our local streams.”

Earlier this year, NVCA received permission from Napoleon to complete a large-scale restoration project at their property on Willow Creek. The project has received financial support from the MLG to stabilize the stream banks and control phosphorus, as well as funding from the Government of Ontario for the construction of floodplain wetlands.

“The restoration of the stream directly reflects Napoleon’s commitment to sustainability, stated Chris Schroeter,” Co-CEO of Napoleon. “We look to contribute to our community in ways, such as this, that will have a meaningful impact on the environment and will benefit current and future generations. We are pleased to be a partner with NVCA in this exciting project.”

Restoration work began in early September and will continue until the end of 2024. Volunteers secured Christmas trees to the bottom of the eroding bank to create habitat for small fish and stabilize the bank. An excavator is currently reducing the height of the eroding bank and will install tree roots to further stabilize the creek bank. Live sod, shrubs and larger trees will be added to the stream bank to create instant habitat. The excavator will also create a floodplain wetland along Willow Creek to store excess water and reduce local flooding.

“The MLG is proud to partner with the NVCA and contribute to the Napolean project, reducing phosphorous loading and improving water quality in Willow Creek and Little Lake,” said Vimal Patel, Vice President, Land Development at Geranium on behalf of the MLG. “This will be the first of many projects to improve water quality in the watershed. The MLG remains committed to working with the community and NVCA on future projects.”

For more details about the stream restoration process, visit NVCA’s website at nvca.on.ca.