A major restoration project is coming to one of Mississauga\u2019s most urbanized watersheds after years of development have dramatically reduced the area\u2019s natural forest cover.<\/p>\n
The City of Mississauga says forest cover in the Cooksville Creek watershed has fallen to just\u00a02.2 per cent, or about\u00a079.1 hectares, limiting the watershed\u2019s ability to manage stormwater, reduce flooding risks and support local wildlife.<\/p>\n
Now, the city is using more than\u00a0$450,000 in federal funding\u00a0to help restore wetlands and forest habitat at\u00a0Iggy Kaneff Park, in the Cooksville community.<\/p>\n
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said restoring the watershed will help the city prepare for future climate challenges.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis federal investment is a meaningful step toward protecting and restoring one of Mississauga\u2019s most important natural watersheds,\u201d Parrish said. \u201cBy strengthening the Cooksville Creek watershed and enhancing Iggy Kaneff Park, we\u2019re improving climate resilience, reducing flood risk and creating healthier, more enjoyable green spaces for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
The city says the restoration will include planting 1,050 trees, 6,000 shrubs and 2,000 wetland plants.<\/p>\n
The new vegetation will help restore habitat while providing natural stormwater protection by allowing the landscape to absorb and store more water during heavy rainfall and snowmelt.<\/p>\n
The Cooksville Creek watershed has faced increasing pressure as Mississauga has grown into one of Canada\u2019s most densely populated cities. As\u00a0neighbourhoods\u00a0have become more urbanized, natural areas that once helped regulate water flow and provide habitat have been reduced.<\/p>\n
The restoration work is intended to rebuild some of those lost environmental protections while improving green space for residents.<\/p>\n
\u201cMississauga is a very densely urbanized metropolitan area, meaning our green spaces and park spaces are important for the beauty and resilience of the community,\u201d said Charles Sousa, Member of Parliament for Mississauga\u2014Lakeshore, on behalf of federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson. \u201cPlaces like the Iggy Kaneff Park offer natural oases that reduce flooding and offer outdoor recreation.\u201d<\/p>\n
The project comes as the city continues a broader redevelopment of\u00a0Cooksville Park and Iggy Kaneff Park\u00a0to address a shortage of parkland in the growing community.<\/p>\n
The city says the larger park redevelopment will introduce new amenities, improve accessibility, replace aging\u00a0infrastructure\u00a0and enhance flood resiliency while protecting natural areas along the Cooksville Creek corridor.<\/p>\n
The restoration work is expected to be completed by\u00a0Dec. 31, 2028.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n