Save Silver Creek Wetlands
Donation protected
TOP SIX REASONS TO SUPPORT STOPPING DEVELOPMENT ON THE PROVINCIALLY SIGNIFICANT SILVER CREEK WETLAND, FLOODPLAIN AND CREEK IN COLLINGWOOD, ON
We need to insist that regional and provincial governments protect the 180 hectares (450 acre) of Provincially Significant Silver Creek Wetland from imminent development and hold them accountable:
1. CLEAN WATER: These Wetlands filter the water draining 2700 hectares in the surrounding area, removing many pollutants and silt before this water reaches Georgian Bay. Without this natural filter, Georgian Bay becomes more silted in, algae blooms, wildlife dies and residents and tourists encounter "No Swim" days;
2. FLOOD PREVENTION
3. DESTRUCTION OF TROUT/SALMON HABITAT Silver Creek is a Class A cold water trout/salmon stream. If development goes ahead, trees are removed, water temperatures rise and this cold water stream becomes uninhabitable for these fish. We are left with suckers, carp and other species of fish that can survive in warmer water.
4. THREATENED AND ENDANGERED SPECIES: Silver Creek, its floodplain and the Wetland are home to countless birds, fish and animals that thrive within them, relying on them for food, shelter and a place to raise their young. Many of these species are designated as threatened and will disappear if development goes ahead. Biodiversity will lose another battle to irresponsible development.
5. DESTRUCTION OF NATURAL HERITAGE: The Silver Creek system is part of our natural heritage. Without this area and others like it, we just become another case of urban sprawl with nothing unique to offer the residents and thousands of tourists, except a Georgian Bay with questionable water quality and miles of houses, roads, cars, construction vehicles and malls. Our local economy (tourism) depends on maintaining and protecting our natural environment.
6. FIGHTING CLIMATE CHANGE: Wetlands are among the most powerful natural stores of carbon and one of our most important tools for combatting climate change. Destroying them is like emptying your last canister of water on a long hike through the desert. Why would we purposely sabotage ourselves?
The whole of the Niagara Escarpment in the Collingwood and Blue Mountains area are under increasing pressure from developers. Our governments have to recognize the value of our natural assets, because once they are gone, they are GONE!
Let your political leaders know we citizens are thousands strong and growing in this together and we are watching them and where they place their priorities. Act now and please support us to raise funds for legal counsel so we can call political leaders to account!
The Friends of Silver Wetland
Organizer
Julie Watene
Organizer
Collingwood, ON
