Barrie earns conservation award

he Kidd’s Creek channel improvements at the foot of Toronto Street are more than just pretty: they’re award-winning.

At least that’s the case in the eyes of the Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority, which honoured the City of Barrie Oct. 17 with two awards.

The Water Conservation Award recognizes those who have completed a project that improves the water quality of the lake, and the downtown project does that by opening up the creek, once covered by a culvert, and the naturalized banks, which further filter water.

The Conservation Award of Merit recognizes those who have implemented or financed the most significant conservation project in the watershed – and the Kidd’s Creek project, which spanned two construction years, rang in at $600,000.

“The city is incredibly honoured that this important project (which) extends the life of our parkland, and adjacent to the shoreline, improves the fish habitat and provides flood protection has been recognized as the most significant project of the year by the LSRCA,” said Richard Forward, Barrie’s community services commissioner.

“These awards acknowledge the efforts of the community that have made this project a success and that will position Barrie at the forefront of environmental issues.”

A part of Barrie’s downtown revitalization efforts, the Kidd’s Creek project was reviewed by the conservation authority a couple of years ago. Not only did the authority recognize the immediate benefit to fish habitat and flood projection, but it worked with the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation to join in funding the project.

The finishing touches – the landscaping with trees and native plants – was finished Oct. 13, with donations from Landscape Ontario and volunteers from a variety of community groups, including the Barrie Colts, Rotary clubs and local schools.