Stream analysis and opportunities for rehabilitation of Truro Creek in Bruce Park

The Friends of Bruce Park is a local neighbourhood group interested in preserving and enhancing the historic and natural heritage of Bruce Park in the City of Winnipeg. Truro Creek flows through the Park just before entering the Assiniboine River. The group is concerned about the apparent erosion of the creek's bed and banks and the low flow water levels in the creek which have put stress on the vegetation bordering the creek. In addition, poor fish spawning habitat exists in the creek.; The existing and historic hydrology and geomorphology of Truro Creek in Bruce Park were investigated and analyzed to determine a rehabilitation measure for the creek based on natural stream principles.; The conclusion is that the creek is in disequilibrium due to the land use changes which have occurred in the catchment upstream of the park. Flows in the creek are double those under natural conditions; the channel has enlarged by the process of erosion and is still eroding based on recent evidence.; The construction of pools and riffles in the park, which uses natural materials and is based on natural channel principles is a feasible and cost effective rehabilitation measure. The proposed nine riffle design will stabilize the creek channel by reducing erosion of the bed and banks, provide some spawning habitat for fish, and improve moisture conditions for the riparian plant community in the Park by raising low flow water levels by an average of one foot. The cost of construction has been estimated at {dollar}4100, which includes the supply, hauling and placing of the aggregate material; the estimate excludes the cost of mitigating any environmental disruption caused by construction activities.