Creeks

Oakville’s natural areas are made up of woodlands, meadows, wetlands, valleys, creeks and streams.

Protecting our creeks

Creek condition assessments are completed approximately every five years. The purpose of the condition assessments is to:

Assess and document the condition of the creeks and identify maintenance or rehabilitation requirements.
Removal of a debris jam is an example of a maintenance requirement. The erosion of a section of creek bank is an example of an area that requires rehabilitation.
Develop a prioritized list and schedule of rehabilitation projects to include in the town’s capital budget.

Creeks are not for recreation

Stay on designated trails and pathways to avoid soil compaction and trampling of plants.
Don’t cut trees or vegetation along creeks.
Keep dogs on a leash. Pets can disturb vegetation along creeks that help prevent erosion.
Pick up after yourself and your pet to prevent harmful bacteria from contaminating soil and water.

Plant native trees, shrubs and ground cover on your property if bordering a creek.
Use organic and biodegradable products on your lawn and garden instead of harmful chemicals. Chemicals can be carried to creeks when it rains or from snow melt.

Use commercial car washes, instead of washing your vehicle in your driveway. This will help keep soap and chemicals out of the creeks.
Don’t drain your pool into creeks. Pool or spa water containing chlorine can be toxic to aquatic life, and it is prohibited.
Let pool water sit for 72 hours before draining so chemicals can evaporate. Drain the water over a grassy area before draining to the storm sewer.
Don’t drain water directly into creeks as this can cause erosion.
Don’t dump hazardous liquids like oil, paint thinners or other chemicals into storm drains. Take these liquids to your local hazardous waste station to get rid of them.