The proposed alignment accesses a previously undeveloped bank of the Grand River, and then proceeds right through three provincially significant wetlands as well as one regionally significant wetland between Kitchener and Guelph that feed into the Grand River. Ultimately, this affects our long-term water supply. Wetland Hopewell Creek Complex Townline Rd. The proposed highway project has generated much interest in these natural features. Wetlands act like sponges, releasing stored water slowly.
Wetlands are giant filters, trapping sediment and pollution that wash off the land.
Many species require water for all or part of their life cycle. Some of the rarest birds and plants are wetland species. An acre of marsh wetland in southern Ontario can be compared to an acre of rainforest in South America. Click here for the KW Field Naturalists survey work. Having a new highway that runs parallel to the old highway poses a threat not only to wetlands, but also to the rich farmland in between these two roads.