Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is planning a Floodplain Wetland Project within the Nashville Conservation Reserve (NCR), east of the Town of Bolton.
Project Location
The project site lies one kilometer north of the intersection of Cold Creek Road and Kirby Road, in Vaughan. The project area is within the Main Humber River watershed, approximately one hundred (100) meters south of the Humber River (Figure 1).
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Project Background
Upstream of the project area, TRCA has previously restored two other wetlands, one in 2024 and another in 2007, both designed to support amphibians.
The primary objective of the new wetland is to enhance aquatic habitat by creating wetland pockets and improving floodplain hydrology. The proposed wetland will complement previously completed restoration by providing new habitat for native flora and fauna.
The project will also help improve wetland health, enhance water filtration, and increase habitat complexity across this ecologically significant site.
The Nashville Conservation Reserve is a critical greenspace in the upper Humber River watershed and contains a wide variety of wildlife habitats, including deer wintering areas and migratory corridors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NASHVILLE CONSERVATION RESERVE
Project Timeline
| Planning and Permitting | Spring – Summer 2025 |
| Invasive Species Management | Spring – Fall 2026 |
| Wetland Construction | Fall – Winter 2025 |
| Native Tree & Shrub Planting | Spring 2026 |
| Project Completion | Late 2025 (Construction) / Spring 2026 (Planting) |
Project Overview
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This project will improve frog habitat by constructing wetland pockets that hold surface drainage and improve groundwater recharge.
Additional benefits include increased wetland cover, improved water quality, reduced sediment transport, and restored natural cover through native plantings.
Key Goals:
- Construct and enhance wetland pockets within the floodplain
- Break up legacy tile drains where they exist to retain water on site
- 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 to facilitate improved frog habitat.
This will be accomplished by creating a wet shrub thicket habitat that is seasonally saturated and disconnected from any watercourse to avoid fish predating on tadpoles.
Completed Steps:
- Archaeological assessment complete
- Detailed topographic survey complete
- Design concept maps complete
- Invasive species treated and removed
- Project review and permitting
Next Steps:
- Float equipment to the site
- Implement erosion and sediment control plan
- Excavate shallow wetland pockets throughout the floodplain to capture drainage
- 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 including willow, dogwood, Birch, aspen, and red maple
Public Access
To ensure public safety, the project area and trails within the project area will remain closed for the duration of construction activities. Work is expected to be completed in early 2026.
Prior to implementation, notices of construction will be delivered to all nearby residences. TRCA will ensure all equipment and work zones are managed safely, and proper erosion and sediment controls will be in place.