Mohawk Lake and Mohawk Canal Cleanup and Rehabilitation Project

Functional Master Drainage and Restoration Study

The City of Brantford has completed a Functional Master Drainage and Restoration Study (the Study), as part of the Mohawk Lake and Mohawk Canal Cleanup and Rehabilitation Project. The Study has identified rehabilitation measures to address accumulated sediment in the Lake and Canal and has provided opportunities / recommendations to improve the environmental quality of Mohawk Lake and Mohawk Canal, and protect and enhance its future in the community.

Mohawk Lake is located in an urban area with a drainage area of 839 hectares. The land use within the lake’s drainage area is primarily residential and commercial with some industrial properties. Over time, the lake and canal’s sediment and water quality have been impacted by stormwater and industrial discharges. Industrial discharges have been discontinued and cleanup efforts have been completed on brownfield lands upstream and adjacent to the canal, however the lake and canal are still negatively impacted. In 2018, the City initiated a Characterization Study documenting the existing physical and environmental conditions of the drainage network, lake, and canal for the study area.

Environmental Assessment (EA)

The Study was carried out in accordance with the requirements necessary to receive federal funding and followed the Ontario Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process for Master Plans (Approach #2), as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association’s Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015), which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

This study identified Schedule A/A+ and Schedule B projects. A complete list of those projects is provided in the Environmental Assessment Report prepared as part of this study.

Notice of Completion

The City of Brantford has completed a Functional Master Drainage and Restoration Study, as part of the Mohawk Lake and Mohawk Canal Cleanup and Rehabilitation Project. The full Notice of Completion is available for review.

The following documents have been prepared as part of this Study:

  • A Subwatershed Stormwater Plan focusing on runoff management (quantity/quality) from the Mohawk Lake tributary’s basin, aimed at understanding the current water resources of Mohawk Lake and Canal, as well as future subwatershed system (based on intensified land uses).
  • An Environmental Assessment Report (Municipal Class Environmental Assessment) summarizing the planning and decision-making process, including consultation activities, preferred alternatives and the next steps.
  • A Master Plan Report outlining a Long Term Community Engagement Plan, conceptual cost estimates and phasing for implementation.

These reports will be available for public and agency review 45 days starting June 29, 2020 and ending on August 10, 2020.

Characterization Report 

The Characterization Report is also available for reference.

Study Area

Mohawk Lake Rehab Study Area

A detailed Mohawk Lake Rehabilitation Study Area Map is also available for review.

Public Consultation

As part of the study, two Public Information Centres (PICs) were held to allow the public and interested stakeholders to learn more about the Study and provide input and comments to inform Study planning. The first PIC was held June 5, 2019. The second PIC was  held October 23, 2019.

The purpose of the second PIC was to share information with interested community members, to inform and identify priorities and interests that should be considered in project planning and execution. 

To submit a comment sheet, ask a question, to receive additional information related to the Class EA, or have accessibility requirements to participate in this Study, please contact Nahed Ghbn or Ron Scheckenberger.  

Please note that all information collected will be used in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. RSO, 1990, c.F.31. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. Additionally, all information collected will be used in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. RSO, 1990, s. 10(1). With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

Public Information Centre(PIC)- Design Phase of the Short-term Priority Alternatives

Following the filing of the study reports for a 45-day review period, the City has initiated detailed engineering design and construction of associated short-term recommendations to improve the water quality in Mohawk Lake and Mohawk Canal.

The Municipal Class Environment Assessment phase identified the following preferred short-term alternatives:

  • Three (3) Oil and Grit Separator Retrofits on Mary Street, Alfred Street and Forest Road- Constructed in December 2020
  • Shallow Creek Restoration and Retrofit – currently being designed
  • Mohawk West Canal Scoped Restoration and Sediment Removal (from Shallow Creek Park to Murray Street)– currently being designed

The purpose of the PIC is to share information with interested community members, to inform and identify priorities and interests that should be considered in project design and execution.

This additional Public Information Centre (PIC) will be carried out virtually.

The virtual PIC will include a video presentation, a transcript of the video presentation and PIC boards (6MB) are also available for review.

We Want to Hear from You!

The City is requesting public input and comments. If you wish to submit comments please use one of the following methods:

Please provide your comments by July 7, 2022.