Update: City submits proposed remediation workplan for Cootes Paradise to the Ministry (MECP)

HAMILTON, ON - Earlier today, the City of Hamilton submitted its proposed remediation and mitigation workplan for work in Cootes Paradise and the Western Hamilton Harbour Area of Lake Ontario. The workplan is associated with the second part of an Order issued by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) related to the discharge in Chedoke Creek.

The second part of the Order, which is related only to the remediation and mitigation works to offset the impacts associated with nutrient loading to Cootes Paradise and the Western Hamilton Harbour Area, was due to the MECP today.

The proposed workplan includes a number of projects and initiatives that are subject to further review and consultation with the MECP to determine the best solutions to satisfy the Order. The proposed workplan includes the following projects and initiatives (all are pending MECP approval):

Annual Removal Projects

Large Scale Floating Vegetative Mats

• Outcomes from Lower Chedoke Master EA Study

One-Time Removal Projects

• Exploratory Study to Dredge beyond Princess Point Embayment in Cootes Paradise
• Sediment Nutrient Inactivation

Watershed Projects (Point/Non-Point Annual Removals)

• Outcomes from Chedoke Watershed Stormwater Retrofit Master EA Study
• Outcomes from Application of Redevelopment Sites – Stormwater Management Policy
• Outcomes from Application of Retrofits for Road Rehabilitation Projects / Low Impact Development Best Management Practices Policy

Other

• Outcomes from the Ainsley Woods Class EA (Sewer Separation)

There are four additional projects and initiatives that are pending further review from City, MECP and area stakeholders. These include Golf Course Runoff Management, potential Desjardins Canal works, accelerating the Sewer Cross Connection Program to address the removal of partial cross connections involving private homeowners and a project that will review the City’s existing policies and procedures related to City street management programs focused on roads in the Chedoke Watershed.

It is expected that many of the projects and initiatives identified in the workplan submitted today will take time to implement and will include significant community and stakeholder engagement, providing opportunities for residents to contribute ideas to the remediation work. The projects and initiatives are likely to evolve and grow over time.

The City is currently exploring opportunities for small-scale works to be installed this summer to improve the water quality of Chedoke Creek.  This includes initiatives such as a small aeration system and a floating treatment wetland within Chedoke Creek.  Details of these projects will follow as the plans develop.

Timeline of recent events related to the Orders:

• November 20, 2020 - City receives Provincial Officer’s Order from the MECP. The Order requires the City to submit a work plan outlining dredging for Chedoke Creek, and a report outlining remediation plans for Cootes Paradise by January 22, 2021. Additionally, a work plan and implementation plan related to the remediation of Cootes Paradise would be required within five weeks of the Cootes remediation plan being approved.
• November 25, 2020 - City requests a review of the Provincial Officer’s Order to seek clarity on what specific work needs to take place and what specific water quality standards the City is being asked to meet under the Order. The City also asked the Director to consider if eight weeks is a reasonable time frame to adequately develop a plan that meets the MECP’s expectations.
• December 4, 2020 - City receives Director’s Order from the MECP, which is in response to the request for review of the Provincial Officer’s Order. The MECP extended some deadlines outlined within the original Order, but did not extend the overall time required to complete the work.
• December 9, 2020 - The MECP issues charges to the City related to the discharge into Chedoke Creek, under the authority of the Environmental Protection Act and the Ontario Water Resources Act.
• December 16, 2020 - City chooses not to appeal the MECP’s Director’s Order and begins planning for the work outlined in the Order.
• January 15, 2021 - The City was required to submit to the MECP a written notice that the City retained the services of a consultant to complete the workplan.
• February 22, 2021 - The first part of the Order was submitted to the MECP, which included a workplan outlining plans for targeted dredging in Chedoke Creek.
• March 22, 2021 - The second part of the Order was submitted to the MECP, which included a report proposing remediation/mitigation methods for Cootes Paradise and the Western Hamilton Harbour Area.
• June 11, 2021 - The City receives MECP approval for the Chedoke Creek Workplan and Cootes Paradise Report.