Help us Restore Humber Creek
The City of Toronto and The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority are working together to improve the environmental health of Humber Creek.

We are looking at ways to rehabilitate the creek by reducing the effects of stormwater discharge and spills.

The Problem
Over the years, Humber Creek has become a victim of urbanization. Every time it rains, stormwater drains into the storm sewers and finds its way into the creek, where it has a negative impact on water quality and the stability of the creek. The creek continues to adjust to the large volume of stormwater by widening and deepening. When it widens, erosion affects surrounding walkways, sewer outfalls and land (see photos). Changes in water quality also have a negative impact on the aquatic life in the creek.

Choosing the Right Solution
A number of options have been considered to address concerns about increased flows, erosion problems and poor water quality in Humber Creek. The preferred options were selected based on a number of factors, including the potential to improve water quality; improve habitat conditions and recreational features; as well as input received from the public and government agencies.

The preferred options are:

• Installation of a spills control device to be located near Wincott Drive to provide a defense against the impact of spills from upstream sources.
  

• Development of an off-line wetland in the northeast portion of Wincott Park to help remove pollutants contained in the water and provide a habitat for animals.

• Restoration of Humber Creek from Islington Avenue to The Westway back to its historical alignment, using natural channel design principles.

Click for larger images

This study of the Humber Creek subwatershed has been carried out under Schedule B of the Class Environmental Assessment for Municipal Water and Wastewater Projects and is subject to the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act.

What can area residents do?
Focus on capturing and storing rainwater or filtering rainwater to help Humber Creek.

• Disconnect roof drain downspouts.

• Use rain barrels to collect rainwater.

• Landscape to promote the filtering of rainwater into the ground.

• Make sure to handle and dispose of household hazardous waste (paint, household cleaners, motor oil) properly. Take it to a depot.

• Minimize the use of fertilizers and herbicides on your lawns and gardens.

• Control pet litter.

• Replace impermeable materials (asphalt, concrete) with materials that allow runoff to infiltrate into the ground such as gravel and interlocking bricks.

What can industry do?
Business and industry can use measures similar to residents to help restore Humber Creek. Environmental associations can be formed to co-operatively address the issues of the containment and elimination of spills.

Implement a spills control program.
Minimize the impacts of accidental spills by including underground oil/grit separators.
Place buffer strips between storm sewer outfalls and receiving waters.
Introduce landscaping measures such as pocket wetlands to treat runoff, replace impermeable surfaces in under-utilised areas with permeable surfaces.

For more information on this project, please contact:

Tracy Korovesi, Senior Public Consultation Co-ordinator
Tel: (416) 392-8834 Fax: (416) 392-2974

Mail: Toronto Works & Emergency Services
55 John Street
Stn. 1180, 18th Floor
Toronto, ON M5V 3C6

E-mail: tkorove@toronto.ca