With remediation activities completed or underway at several sites in Port Hope, one area in particular is receiving specific interest. The Waterworks West site located near the West Beach is uniquely positioned near the factory that housed the former Eldorado Limited that produced the waste, as well as adjacent to the popular West Beach. The area is often used by dog walkers, beach and nature enthusiasts, photographers and those looking for a serene space.
Once the area became restricted because of PHAI activities, CNL staff were quick to point out that the beach remained accessible and despite limited parking, the area remained very busy.
The cleanup successfully removed historic low-level radioactive waste that was stored in that location since the 1930s. Over 18 months, approximately 24,000 cubic metres of impacted soils was excavated from the area and safely transported for storage in the Port Hope Long-Term Waste Management Facility. This represented approximately 365 per cent of what was originally anticipated.
Now with the cleanup completed, restoration remains a focus for the area. While the area is well visited, it may not be as commonly known that the area is home to the outflow of the Alexander Creek. This sensitive area was central during the cleanup activities as a bridge was constructed during the work to protect the creek bed and any species that may use this as a habitat. The creek itself is being diverted with temporary piping during the work.
The restoration of the site therefore includes a section of the Alexander Creek – this area is of notable ecological sensitivity. In keeping with CNL’s commitment to reconciliation, respecting and honouring Aboriginal and Treaty Rights, CNL is engaging with the respective Rights holders of the Williams Treaties First Nation as well as appropriate regulators to collaborate and incorporate Indigenous knowledge systems into the restoration planning, with the goal to re-establish fisheries habitat in the area. As such, site restoration details are still being determined.
In addition, due to the sensitivity of the area, additional environmental protections are necessary for re-establishing the Alexander Creek outflow which may delay providing public access to the area. Protective fencing will remain around the western portion of the site until restoration is complete in 2025.
In the interim, work is underway to place the site in a safe-state condition and to maintain slope stability and provide erosion control. The area east of the creek has had some trees planted and sodded in keeping with the wishes of the property owner. Once plans are finalized, the restoration will include installation of sod, trees, and a new parking lot. Discussions about the replacement of a play structure previously on the site is currently ongoing with the Municipality of Port Hope as property owner.
The collaborative nature of the project underscores the importance of providing a solution to a long-standing environmental issue. “In the spirit of reconciliation, the work with Indigenous communities as rights holders on the restoration of this area is important,” shared Dave Mowatt CNL’s Senior Indigenous Engagement Advisor. “The original treaties opened lands along Lake Ontario to settlement beginning after 1783, and subsequent treaty negotiations such as #20 in 1818 were conducted at Port Hope (Smith’s Creek). This project closes the circle on that long history.”
As environmental stewards, CNL is keen to have this once-contaminated area fully restored and again available to its many users.
Any party interested in providing feedback on restoration is invited to connect directly with the Municipality of Port Hope as property owners.
