With the final touches on the recreational area of the Waterworks site near the Port Hope West Beach done, CNL work is complete. Over 47,000 tonnes of contaminated material, three times the original estimate, have been removed from the area.
This eastern portion of the site has been fully restored for recreational use. Work included the planting of over 140 additional trees, the installation of walking trails and accessible playground equipment. This area is now a welcoming space for community activities and holds a parking lot for those destined for beach activities.
The western section of the site is being restored to a naturalized state which will support the potential for both wetland ecology and fisheries habitat in the Alexander Creek area. This work is complex, it requires collaboration with several regulators including Department of Fisheries & Oceans Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. CNL has also engaged Williams Treaties First Nations on this important restoration, as well as the Ganaraska Conservation Authority and Municipality of Port Hope.
The characteristics of this site will be like what would have existed in this area pre-industrialization. The restoration will create a naturalized corridor to support numerous species of flora and fauna, and an enhanced wild space within urban Port Hope. The restoration is an example of the application of both western science and Indigenous knowledge.
Restoration work in this western section is scheduled for completion in 2026. At that time additional trees and a pavilion will be constructed at the site.
The work on this site proved challenging because of the proximity to Lake Ontario and the depth of contamination. The result is a planned special circumstances application, with pockets of low-level radioactive waste (LLRW) to remain isolated 2 to 4 metres underground. This approach follows strict protocols to ensure the protection of human health and the environment. A Public Information session will be held to provide further details on this application, with a date to be announced.
Residents are encouraged to share feedback on further restoration plans with the Municipality of Port Hope, as property owners.
For more information about PHAI work, contact us at www.phai.ca or 905-885-0291.
