Saltfleet Conservation Area
Hamilton Conservation Authority
Project Description
The Saltfleet Conservation Area provides a new conservation area experience in the east end of the HCA watershed, with a total area of 166.34 ha (411 acres) over multiple properties.
Challenge / Issue and Solution
The Saltfleet Conservation Area and its associated wetland restoration project addresses three critical issues.
1. Provides land for the creation and restoration of wetland areas to store water above the Niagara Escarpment to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion below the escarpment, in the urban areas of Stoney Creek within the City of Hamilton. Based on a completed environmental assessment for the project, four wetland areas, two of which have been constructed, will provide a combined water storage of 592,500m3 which is the equivalent of 237 Olympic size swimming pools.
2. The conservation lands will enhance and restore the natural heritage features of the area by creating and restoring wetlands, planting upland areas with trees and grassland species, creating habitat and removing invasive species.
3. The project connects people with nature by providing passive recreation trails within these conservation lands, so the public have new areas to experience the environment and gain an understanding of the function and importance of wetlands on the landscape. The trails within the conservation area link to the larger watershed through the existing Dofasco Trail.
The first wetland was constructed in 2022 with the second completed in 2025. The third wetland is scheduled for construction in early 2027. The attached video highlights this important conservation project.
The Saltfleet Conservation Area and associated wetland restoration project is an innovative way to use the natural environment and the associated natural assets rather than hard infrastructure to address flooding and erosion within an increasingly urban area, while creating and enhancing natural environment features such as wetlands, forests and grasslands, and creating a new trail network and interpretive panels that allows the public to see the benefits of the natural environment firsthand. The Greenbelt Foundation Economic Case Study for this project notes that “In addition to the services that restored natural areas can provide as infrastructure, they provide communities with more intangible benefits as well. Natural settings can improve moods, lower blood pressure and increase reported happiness. The Greater Golden Horseshoe is seeing increased demand for large parks as the population grows. The Saltfleet Conservation Area will provide new and needed parkland, offering residents new opportunities for restoration and recreation, which benefit physical and mental health.”
PEOPLE: Share any details about how you partnered or collaborated with others (internal or external)
The Greenbelt Foundation Economic Case Study for this project notes that “In addition to the services that restored natural areas can provide as infrastructure, they provide communities with more intangible benefits as well. Natural settings can improve moods, lower blood pressure and increase reported happiness. The Greater Golden Horseshoe is seeing increased demand for large parks as the population grows. The Saltfleet Conservation Area will provide new and needed parkland, offering residents new opportunities for restoration and recreation, which benefit physical and mental health.”
PLANNING: Provide a description of how you planned, prepared and implemented your project
The Saltfleet Conservation Area and associated wetland restoration project is an innovative way to use the natural environment and the associated natural assets rather than hard infrastructure to address flooding and erosion within an increasingly urban area, while creating and enhancing natural environment features such as wetlands, forests and grasslands, and creating a new trail network and interpretive panels that allows the public to see the benefits of the natural environment firsthand.
PLACES: Conservation Area Impact / Outcomes
Provides land for the creation and restoration of wetland areas to store water above the Niagara Escarpment to reduce the risk of flooding and erosion below the escarpment, in the urban areas of Stoney Creek within the City of Hamilton. Based on a completed environmental assessment for the project, four wetland areas, two of which have been constructed, will provide a combined water storage of 592,500m3 which is the equivalent of 237 Olympic size swimming pools.
2. The conservation lands will enhance and restore the natural heritage features of the area by creating and restoring wetlands, planting upland areas with trees and grassland species, creating habitat and removing invasive species.
3. The project connects people with nature by providing passive recreation trails within these conservation lands, so the public have new areas to experience the environment and gain an understanding of the function and importance of wetlands on the landscape. The trails within the conservation area link to the larger watershed through the existing Dofasco Trail.
Describe the overall outcome and success of your project, noting your achievements in innovation and inspiration in PEOPLE, PLANNING and PLACES
The Saltfleet Conservation Area and associated wetland restoration project is an innovative way to use the natural environment and the associated natural assets rather than hard infrastructure to address flooding and erosion within an increasingly urban area, while creating and enhancing natural environment features such as wetlands, forests and grasslands, and creating a new trail network and interpretive panels that allows the public to see the benefits of the natural environment firsthand. The Greenbelt Foundation Economic Case Study for this project notes that “In addition to the services that restored natural areas can provide as infrastructure, they provide communities with more intangible benefits as well. Natural settings can improve moods, lower blood pressure and increase reported happiness. The Greater Golden Horseshoe is seeing increased demand for large parks as the population grows. The Saltfleet Conservation Area will provide new and needed parkland, offering residents new opportunities for restoration and recreation, which benefit physical and mental health.”
