THOROLD, Ont. (July 14, 2026) – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) has established the Twelve Mile Creek Watershed Committee, bringing together diverse, dedicated voices to help guide the future of one of Niagara’s most ecologically significant natural resources.
The newly formed committee will support the development of an updated, integrated watershed management approach for Twelve Mile Creek with a focus on preserving its ecological integrity, enhancing climate resilience, and fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.
Twelve Mile Creek is an important waterway notable for being Niagara’s only remaining cold-water stream. Its clear, cool waters provide essential habitat for native Brook Trout and support a rich diversity of aquatic and terrestrial species. The creek’s surrounding wetlands, forests, and meadows play a critical role as watershed infrastructure in filtering water, preventing erosion, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Despite restoration efforts, the watershed continues to face significant pressures, including rising water temperatures, erosion, sedimentation, and water quality impacts from urban development, agricultural runoff, and a changing climate.
“Twelve Mile Creek is the most sensitive watershed in the Niagara Peninsula, and its future depends on collaboration toward identifying, assessing, and managing the ongoing risks it faces,” said Geoffery Verkade, Senior Manager of Integrated Watershed Strategies. “By bringing together local knowledge, scientific expertise, and community perspectives, this committee will help inform priorities and action to ensure a healthy, climate-resilient watershed”.
The multi-stakeholder group is comprised of 12 members representing local watershed municipalities, Indigenous partners, residents, agriculture, industry, and scientific researchers, alongside NPCA staff. Members were selected through a combination of partner organization nominations and a public recruitment process guided by established selection criteria, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the Twelve Mile Creek Watershed Committee and follow its progress as it works to revitalize and enhance this local ecosystem. Updates, project information, and opportunities for community involvement will be shared through NPCA’s Get Involved portal at getinvolved.npca.ca/12milecreekcommittee
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About Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority:
As a community-based natural resource management agency, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority envisions a healthy and vibrant natural environment with shared greenspace and clean water for all.
NPCA’s work supports the conservation, enhancement and sustainability of healthy watersheds with programs and services that focus on drinking water source protection, flood and hazard management, endangered species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, education, and land management.
NPCA is the caretaker of 41 conservation areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
For more info on NPCA: www.npca.ca
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Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Jacob Pozzobon
Communications & Public Relations Assistant
jpozzobon@npca.ca