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Highland Creek Watershed

Once nearly 100% forested, today the Highland Creek watershed is home to 360,000 people and with 85% of its landscape developed, it is the most urbanized watershed in the Toronto region.

Link to the Community SurveyThe Highland is an "urban creek" with more than 85 km of watercourses draining an area of 102 km2. Due to intense pressures from urbanization, watercourses and natural ecosystems in the Highland Creek Watershed are affected by compromised water quality, erosion caused by high storm flows, and degradation of terrestrial natural heritage. Only 0.5% of its original wetlands remain.

While the Highland Creek Watershed has been extensively developed, remnant forests, wetlands and meadows provide habitat for a range of wildlife such as deer, fox, monarch butterflies, and numerous bird and fish species.

Green space throughout the watershed provides recreational opportunities all year round. People can cycle the trail from Morningside Park to Lake Ontario; bird watch at Stephenson's Swamp; see salmon jumping in the autumn on the west Highland creek; or join a nature walk or tree planting event in one of the Highland's many parks.

Image of Highland Creek