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Restoring Local Creeks: North Strasburg Creek

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We are changing North Strasburg Creek to restore its natural flow and reduce erosion. The creek is currently lined with concrete between McIntyre Place and Strasburg Road. We will remove the concrete lining and replace it with natural materials.

The City of Kitchener has hired Aquafor Beech Limited, an engineering consulting firm, to restore this section of the creek. We are designing a solution that:

  • Reduces future flood risks,
  • Protects and improves water quality,
  • Addresses erosion,
  • Restores habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds, and
  • Protects infrastructure near the creek

These changes will support the brook trout and other diverse species in North Strasburg Creek. Brook trout is a species of fish found in more sensitive cold-water creek systems. They are rare in Kitchener. Though North Strasburg is not a cold-water creek, we manage it as if it is to protect the cold-water species that live there. We have already improved three stormwater ponds along this creek’s path to help with cooling, water quality and flood risk. This project will further our work to protect and restore this important creek.

For more information on this project, please read the project background and the Frequently Asked Questions.

Stay Informed

If you have any questions or comments about the project, please use the Questions tool or contact the project team.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to know about news and information about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe’.

We are changing North Strasburg Creek to restore its natural flow and reduce erosion. The creek is currently lined with concrete between McIntyre Place and Strasburg Road. We will remove the concrete lining and replace it with natural materials.

The City of Kitchener has hired Aquafor Beech Limited, an engineering consulting firm, to restore this section of the creek. We are designing a solution that:

  • Reduces future flood risks,
  • Protects and improves water quality,
  • Addresses erosion,
  • Restores habitat for fish, amphibians, and birds, and
  • Protects infrastructure near the creek

These changes will support the brook trout and other diverse species in North Strasburg Creek. Brook trout is a species of fish found in more sensitive cold-water creek systems. They are rare in Kitchener. Though North Strasburg is not a cold-water creek, we manage it as if it is to protect the cold-water species that live there. We have already improved three stormwater ponds along this creek’s path to help with cooling, water quality and flood risk. This project will further our work to protect and restore this important creek.

For more information on this project, please read the project background and the Frequently Asked Questions.

Stay Informed

If you have any questions or comments about the project, please use the Questions tool or contact the project team.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to know about news and information about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe’.

Ask a question

Do you have a question about this project? Ask it here.

To protect your privacy:

  • Do not include your last name in your username
  • Do not include any personal information (like your address) in your question  

If your question is urgent, call the City of Kitchener at 519-741-2345 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994)

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  • Share Would underground turtle/animal crossings be considered at Trillium Dr and Strasburg Rd. ? on Facebook Share Would underground turtle/animal crossings be considered at Trillium Dr and Strasburg Rd. ? on Twitter Share Would underground turtle/animal crossings be considered at Trillium Dr and Strasburg Rd. ? on Linkedin Email Would underground turtle/animal crossings be considered at Trillium Dr and Strasburg Rd. ? link

    Would underground turtle/animal crossings be considered at Trillium Dr and Strasburg Rd. ?

    Kitchenerresident asked 2 months ago

    Thank you for the question. Underground animal crossings are not planned for this project. However, the local animal species and aquatic life have been considered throughout the design process. Structures will be added at the crossing at Trillium Drive and Strasburg Road, to help small wildlife and fish move through the creek. With these improvements the creek will improve the habitat in the area for existing local species. 

  • Share As a bike commuter, I would benefit from scenic bike paths like the one created at Wilson park. Would you consider adding a bike/walking path to these areas? Is it understood that this path is in between properties and not fully accessible but if we plan for growth or for flexibility in the future, it will benefit the community on Facebook Share As a bike commuter, I would benefit from scenic bike paths like the one created at Wilson park. Would you consider adding a bike/walking path to these areas? Is it understood that this path is in between properties and not fully accessible but if we plan for growth or for flexibility in the future, it will benefit the community on Twitter Share As a bike commuter, I would benefit from scenic bike paths like the one created at Wilson park. Would you consider adding a bike/walking path to these areas? Is it understood that this path is in between properties and not fully accessible but if we plan for growth or for flexibility in the future, it will benefit the community on Linkedin Email As a bike commuter, I would benefit from scenic bike paths like the one created at Wilson park. Would you consider adding a bike/walking path to these areas? Is it understood that this path is in between properties and not fully accessible but if we plan for growth or for flexibility in the future, it will benefit the community link

    As a bike commuter, I would benefit from scenic bike paths like the one created at Wilson park. Would you consider adding a bike/walking path to these areas? Is it understood that this path is in between properties and not fully accessible but if we plan for growth or for flexibility in the future, it will benefit the community

    sir_serg asked 6 months ago

    That’s great to hear you’re enjoying the trail through Wilson Park. Our Cycling and Trails Master Plan guides all Kitchener trail projects. 

    Space and trail network connection points are limited along North Strasburg Creek. The available area is mainly used for maintenance purposes. There is a multi-use trail along Strasburg Road. Trillium Drive has been identified as a long-term priority for multi-use trail. For more information, visit kitchener.ca/cycling or contact TransportationPlan@kitchener.ca. 

  • Share Will you be ensuring that the new plantings will be native to the area? Will you be removing any invasive plants within the area that have established themselves? on Facebook Share Will you be ensuring that the new plantings will be native to the area? Will you be removing any invasive plants within the area that have established themselves? on Twitter Share Will you be ensuring that the new plantings will be native to the area? Will you be removing any invasive plants within the area that have established themselves? on Linkedin Email Will you be ensuring that the new plantings will be native to the area? Will you be removing any invasive plants within the area that have established themselves? link

    Will you be ensuring that the new plantings will be native to the area? Will you be removing any invasive plants within the area that have established themselves?

    BB asked 6 months ago

    Thanks for this question. We plant a wide variety of native species as we restore creeks. The design team prioritizes native species in the plant selection process. We choose plants that are suitable for creek ecosystems. Where possible, we also include native plants important to local Indigenous peoples.

    Reducing the spread of invasive plant species is important to us. During construction, the project team looks for ways to safely remove invasive plant species. 

Page last updated: 22 Jul 2024, 10:06 AM