Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is planning a Wetland Restoration Project within Cold Creek Conservation Area. This project is within the headwaters of the Main Humber River watershed and will restore floodplain wetlands adjacent to a Tributary of the Humber River.
Project Location
The project site is located at 14125 11th Concession in Vaughan, west of the Town of Nobleton (Figure 1).
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Project Background
Cold Creek Conservation Area (CA) is owned by TRCA and managed by King Township.
Cold Creek CA contains the Candidate Cold Creek Headwaters Provincial Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) and the Cold Creek Wetland Complex.
The primary objective of the wetland restoration project is to improve wetland and forest cover and connectivity within Cold Creek CA. This project will also provide a co-benefit for improved water infiltration and storage capacity within the footprint of the restored area.
Project Timeline
| Planning and Permitting | Spring 2026 |
| Wetland Construction | June to July 2026 |
| Native Tree & Shrub Planting | Fall 2026 |
| Project Completion | Late 2026 |
Project Overview
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This project will restore wetland and forest habitat within the CA.
Wetland pockets of varying depth will be constructed to increase surface water retention and improve habitat diversity (Figure 2). Habitat features, including perching poles and basking logs, will be installed using wood sourced from within the project area to provide basking and resting locations for wildlife.
The wetland will be planted with native seed mixes, along with tree and shrub species suited to wet conditions. Adjacent fallow fields will be planted with native, berry producing shrubs and trees to provide additional habitat and improve connectivity to existing upland forest communities.
Key Goals:
- Construct and enhance wetland pockets within the floodplain
- Plant native trees, shrubs, and wetland species
- Install habitat structures and woody debris
Scope of Work
The goal of this project is to create and enhance wetland habitat in the floodplain area.
This will be accomplished by creating a wet shrub thicket habitat and will include features to diversify the project area, including: deep and emergent wetland pockets, perching poles, log tangles, and upland areas planted with native trees and shrubs.
Completed Steps:
- Preliminary monitoring of existing conditions
- Archaeological assessment complete
- Detailed topographic survey complete
- Design concept maps complete
- Project review and permitting
Next Steps:
- Float equipment to the site
- Implement erosion and sediment control plan
- Excavate shallow and deep wetland pockets throughout the floodplain to improve habitat diversity
- Install log tangles, rocks, and brush piles to enhance amphibian habitat
- Spread cover crop and native seed on disturbed areas
- Plant native tree and shrub species vegetation
Public Access
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To ensure public safety, the immediate project area and certain trails within the project area will remain closed for the duration of construction activities (Figure 3).
Work is expected to be completed in July 2026. Prior to implementation, notices of construction will be posted at trail heads.
TRCA will ensure all equipment and work zones are managed safely, and proper erosion and sediment controls will be in place.
Project Updates
Coming soon.
Contact Us
For more information regarding this project, please contact:
Jessie Spasov, Project Manager
Restoration Resource Management
Restoration & Infrastructure
jessie.spasov@trca.ca