EXPLORE THE BAY
Success Stories
A selection of our Harbour's many successes
Randle Reef Sediment Remediation Project
Remediation is now underway at Randle Reef! The Randle Reef sediment remediation project involves constructing a 6.2 hectare engineered containment facility (ECF) on top of a portion of the most contaminated sediment, then dredging and placing the remaining contaminated sediment in the facility. The facility will be made of double steel sheet pile walls with the outer walls being driven to depths of up to 24 metres into the underlying sediment. The inner and outer walls will be sealed creating an impermeable barrier. The sediment will then be covered by a multi-layered environmental cap. Follow details of the project here and on Twitter.
Skyway and Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades
Skyway (Burlington) and Woodward (Hamilton) WWTPs are currently undergoing major upgrades to improve treatment performance. At Woodward WWTP, phase 1 is now nearing completion. Future treatment process after phase 2 work is complete will employ additional methods to improve performance and reduce loadings that reach the Harbour through the effluent discharged to the Red Hill Creek.
Windermere Basin Restoration
In the summer of 2013, federal, provincial and Hamilton officials celebrated the completion of the $20.6-million rehabilitation of Windermere Basin, a 25 hectare plot of reclaimed industrial land. The purpose of the development project was to conduct restoration of the local ecosystem and provide natural wildlife areas and parklands for passive recreational use.
With improved water quality and habitat regeneration, Windermere Basin is a ‘healed’ area. It has become a source of community pride and a place to witness the ongoing regeneration of a healthier environment locally. The project served several important environmental, social, and economic purposes. Windermere Basin:
• Enhances the Dundas Wastewater Treatment Plant’s disinfection system to remove chlorine in the plant’s sewage
• Increases Hamilton Harbour’s visual appeal, while improving the fish and wildlife’s habitat
• Creates an open body into a 13 hectare healthy Great Lakes coastal wetland that will benefit local fish and wildlife.
• Is a home to a variety of plants and animals, while offering community-based recreational opportunities.
Walleye Stocking
To create a balanced ecosystem, the presence of top predators is a necessity. In recent years, the Ministry of Natural Resources has annually stocked Hamilton Harbour with young walleye to help boost populations. In 2012, 100,000 young fish were introduced into the Harbour, followed by 10,000 in 2013, 950,000 in 2014, and another 50,000 in 2015. Along with improved water quality, the survival and eventual reproduction of walleye in Hamilton Harbour is a sign of a regenerating ecosystem. Read more about the initiative and what it means for the area.
Improvements to Public Access
With public access now restored to 28% of the Harbour shoreline, people are returning to Hamilton Harbour to enjoy recreational activities from cycling and strolling, to picnicking, sightseeing and dining. Future efforts aim to restore public access to 35% of the Harbour shoreline.
Hamilton's waterfront offers diverse opportunities for recreation, leisure, and other activities. From exploring the Waterfront Trail to skating up a storm at Pier 8 Skating Rink, public access to the waterfront continues to grow. You can see many of the attractions along the waterfront here.
Increased Education and Public Information:
BARC has increased its presence in the community through displays, presentations and public events. Over the past two years, BARC has added four new education programs: Water School, Creeks and Creepy Crawlies, Rain Gardens and From Home to Harbour to help inform and empower community members so they can do their part in creating and sustaining a healthy Harbour.
Interactive Harbour Explorer!
Enjoy the successes of our community's restoration efforts and discover the Harbour's story with BARC's digital explorer.
