With the PHAI cleanup of industrial waste complete at the Lions Park site, work will now be focused on restoration of the area. Though primarily industrial waste, this site was included as part of PHAI work in keeping with the Legal Agreement signed in 2001 with the Government of Canada.
The industrial waste is the legacy of past manufacturing processes in the community. Over 60 years ago, soil and gravel were placed as fill on the Thomas Street property. Labourers unknowingly contaminated the area with fill materials containing heavy metals and other unwanted material.
While this cleanup was undertaken to safeguard the environment and public health, it resulted in the removal of a treed area to access the waste. Trees, because of their extensive root systems, are especially susceptible to impact during soil cleanup. CNL integrates several strategies to minimize the impact to trees on all PHAI project sites. Strategies include thorough site assessment and planning, utilizing hydro-excavation and other low-impact techniques when possible and appropriate.
In addition to tree replacement at the Lions Park site, the area is being restored to park-like conditions with direction from the property owner, the Municipality of Port Hope.
Port Hope residents are invited to provide their feedback to the Municipality regarding the restoration plan for Lions Park before April 7, 2024.
More information can be found on the municipality’s website here: https://www.myporthope.ca/park-revitalizations
