What is a subwatershed?

Watersheds and subwatersheds are land areas that drain to a common location. They are outlined based on surface landforms, local water drainage patterns and catchment areas.

What is a subwatershed study?

A subwatershed study is an approach for managing natural heritage and water resources based on the disciplines of ecology, engineering, land use planning and resource management.

They help us to manage existing impacts and mitigate future impacts that may occur with land use and climate change. Watershed and subwatershed studies are also a useful way to monitor changes in groundwater and surface water and any related natural heritage features of the area such as watercourses, wetlands, woodlands and meadows.

About the Clythe Creek subwatershed study update

The Clythe Creek subwatershed is located on the east side of Guelph and Guelph/Eramosa Township in Wellington County. It includes Clythe Creek, Hadati Creek and Watson Creek, which drain to the Eramosa River and then the Speed River in the Grand River watershed, as shown in the map below.

The Clythe Creek subwatershed study was completed in 1998 and reflected the land uses and conditions within the subwatershed at that time. Many land use changes have occurred, and are anticipated to occur, in the subwatershed. The Clythe Creek subwatershed study update will provide current information to inform the protection, management and enhancement of natural heritage resources and water resources in the subwatershed.

Clythe Creek subwatershed boundary and study area

Why it matters

The Clythe Creek subwatershed study update will include recommendations to guide sustainable development and respond to climate change by:

• supporting our community’s access to an adequate supply of clean drinking water from the local aquifer;
• ensuring the continued safe and effective management of stormwater runoff, including the identification of priority stormwater management improvements; and
• protecting and enhancing our local natural heritage system, including the identification of priority habitat restoration measures that contribute to local biodiversity and help build climate resilience.

How to Participate

The Clythe Creek subwatershed study update will be undertaken in three phases. In this Community Information Session, City staff and the City’s consultant team will share updates about the study update and why this work is important.

Engagement for phase one of the study is complete. Please read the engagement summary from phase one for more information.

You can learn more about this project on Guelph.ca.

or contact Leah Lefler the project manager.