Restoring The Health of Rattray Marsh

Why does the Marsh Need to be Restored?
Rattray Marsh is recognized as an important coastal marsh on Lake Ontario. Upstream development around Sheridan Creek has altered the marsh by contributing excess sediment, burying the native marsh ecosystem. This has resulted in poor water quality and low water levels. Invasive carp have replaced native fish and destroyed the native plants that once populated Rattray Marsh. Simply left alone, the marsh will continue to degrade.
The Environmental Solution
In 2010, Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) developed a plan in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Rattray Marsh Protection Association to restore the health of the marsh. Excess sediment has buried the native marsh ecosystem, resulting in poor water quality, low water depth and an influx of invasive species. The plan went through a formal environmental assessment (EA). Restoraing Rattray Marsh is part of CVC’s Lake Ontario Integrated Shoreline Strategy (LOISS), a multi-year, multi-agency strategy aimed at monitoring and addressing environmental issues facing the Lake Ontario shoreline in Mississauga.
When & How Will The Restoration Happen?
Restoration will be done in phases to reduce the impact to wildlife and local residents.
Ongoing Protection After Restoration
CVC, in partnership with the City of Mississauga, has developed a watershed plan for Sheridan Creek that will help control upstream erosion and pollution entering Rattray Marsh. This will ensure that sediment levels in the marsh are kept in check and no further sediment removal operations will be necessary.
Public Info Session – May 5, 2015
On May 5, 2015 CVC hosted a public information session on restoring the health of Rattray Marsh. The session ran from 7 to 9 p.m. at Green Glade Sr. Public School, 1500 Green Glade, Mississauga. It was held in partnership with the Rattray Marsh Protection Association.
54 residents turned out to hear presentations from CVC and the Rattray Marsh Protection Association. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session.
Downloads from the Public Info Session:
- Agenda
- Natural Heritage Update – Presentation
- Restoration Update – Presentation
- EAB & Ash Tree Management Update – Presentation
- Notes from Q&A Session
Public Info Session – November 19, 2014
On November 19, 2014 CVC hosted a public information session on restoring the health of Rattray Marsh. The session ran from 7 to 9 p.m. at Green Glade Sr. Public School, 1550 Green Glade, Mississauga. It was held in partnership with the Rattray Marsh Protection Association.
Thirty-eight residents turned out to hear presentations from CVC and the Rattray Marsh Protection Association. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session.
Thank you to Michael’s Hair Body Mind for matching all donations received during the session for the Save Our Ash fundraising campaign.
Downloads from the Public Info Session:
- Agenda
- Comment Sheet
- Monitoring in Rattray Marsh and Sheridan Creek – Presentation
- Restoration Update – Presentation
- Emerald Ash Borer and Ash Tree Management Update – Presentation
- Credit Valley Conservation Foundation – Presentation
- Notes from Q&A Session
Public Info Session – November 18, 2013
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On November 18, 2013 CVC hosted a public information session on restoring the health of Rattray Marsh. The session ran from 7 to 9 p.m. at Green Glade Sr. Public School, 1550 Green Glade, Mississauga. It was held in partnership with the Rattray Marsh Protection Association.
Seventy-six residents turned out to hear presentations from CVC, the Rattray Marsh Protection Association and CVC Chair and Regional Councillor, Pat Mullin. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session.
Downloads from the Public Info Session:
- Agenda
- Comment Sheet
- Background and Project History Presentation
- Restoration Plan Presentation
- Lands Management Update Presentation
- Impacts of Invasive Species Presentation
- Notes from Q&A Session
Public Info Session – November 28, 2012
On November 28, 2012 CVC hosted a public information session on restoring the health of Rattray Marsh. The session ran from 7 to 9 p.m. at Green Glade Sr. Public School, 1550 Green Glade, Mississauga. It was held in partnership with the Rattray Marsh Protection Association and the Region of Peel.
Seventy residents turned out to hear presentations from CVC, the Rattray Marsh Protection Association, the Region of Peel, and Regional Councillor and CVC Chair, Pat Mullin. The presentation was followed by a lively Q&A session.
Downloads from the Public Info Session:
- Agenda
- Comment Sheet
- Rattray Marsh Restoration – Project History Presentation
- Rattray Marsh Restoration – Site Design Presentation
For more information on the Rattray Marsh restoration, please contact:
Bob Morris
Manager of Natural Heritage
Credit Valley Conservation
Phone: 905-670-1615 ext. 435
Email: bob.morris@cvc.ca
Paul Biscaia
Restoration Technician
Credit Valley Conservation
Phone: 905-670-1615 ext. 427
Email: paul.biscaia@cvc.ca