Creeks are used as a natural flood management system as they reduce the flow of water prior to it reaching larger waterways.

They offer a sustainable approach to managing and reducing the impacts of floods. Creek networks are very beneficial to the environment and provide the functions necessary for species and habitats to thrive.

Mary Fix Creek plays an important role in Mississauga’s water infrastructure. Named after a local pioneer, city-builder and philanthropist, the creek starts at Mavis Road and Eglinton Avenue and flows through central Mississauga including a section that is parallel to Hurontario Street south of the QEW, emptying into the Credit River at the CN Bridge in Port Credit.

Urban streams and creeks, like Mary Fix Creek, are important elements of local natural heritage systems which serve as habitat for local wildlife species such as squirrels, racoons, and migratory birds.

As part of revitalizing the creek bed, contractors will remove invasive vegetation species, such as Manitoba Maple to help native species thrive. Crews will then replant more trees in order to enhance local biodiversity, as part of Metrolinx’s landscape plan.

The landscape design will be coordinated with the City of Mississauga and the Credit Valley Conservation.

Mary Fix Creek is also unique as it provides flood protection and prevents creek erosion in the Port Credit area.

Crews have begun the task of removing the existing concrete channel between Inglewood Drive and the Port Credit GO Station. To reduce the potential for flooding, the channel in that area will be replaced with an engineered structure that is wider and taller.  

Because creeks are more prone to flooding during the spring season, Mobilinx, the constructor of the Hurontario LRT, has brought in river flow specialists to help make sure the job is done properly.

They will help address potential spring flows in the creek and mitigate the potential for flooding. Work for the Hurontario LRT will not require any modification to existing surface drainage patterns on private properties.

Plans are also in place to replace the existing bridges at the Port Credit GO Station to accommodate the widening of the creek. This work will start later this year.

Modifications to the creek means future proofing the local area against flooding anticipated because of climate change.

Stay up to date with ongoing construction for the Hurontario LRT and work happening at Mary Fix Creek by subscribing to Metrolinx’s Peel Region e-newsletter at www.metrolinx.com/hurontariolrt or follow the project on social media.