Historically, residents and businesses have experienced flooding and erosion around lower Stoney Creek and Battlefield Creek. Since 2022, two of four proposed wetlands have been constructed at Saltfleet Conservation Area to help safeguard property and homes, while also providing habitat and connecting people with nature.
Now, thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Heritage Green Community Trust, Saltfleet’s future is even brighter. Their transformational gift of $6,075,000 will support additional wetland construction and build a new visitor and environmental education centre.
The Origins of Saltfleet Conservation Area
It’s no secret that flooding and erosion have long-impacted parts of Stoney Creek and Battlefield Creek below the Niagara Escarpment. In 2011, Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA) and the City of Hamilton undertook an environmental assessment to look at possible solutions. Unfortunately, many of the proposed solutions would have been both expensive and challenging to implement due to cost and land requirements.
But what if there was another option? One that was more cost-effective and better for the community overall?
In 2018, HCA completed a second environmental assessment. This one proposed creating four wetlands in key locations, storing water above the escarpment like a natural sponge to prevent flooding and erosion below the Niagara Escarpment. These natural features also set the stage for a new conservation area: plenty of space for wildlife habitat, plus passive outdoor recreation opportunities for a growing community. Best of all, the plan put forth by the second assessment was less expensive to implement, and had strong return protections for flood and erosion mitigation, carbon sequestration and waterquality improvements.
During the early stages of this project, HCA connected with the Heritage Green Community Trust, who provided significant financial contributions to help bring this vision to life. With support from grants and additional generous donors to the Hamilton Conservation Foundation (HCF), lands were secured and the project began to take shape. Since 2015, HCA has brought together more than 400 acres to create Saltfleet Conservation Area.
Saltfleet's Success
How does HCA monitor a conservation area’s success? In Saltfleet’s case, success looks like three W’s working together: water storage, wildlife recorded, and welcoming community.
Water Storage
Looking at the lush wetlands today, you might not guess that when construction work began on Saltfleet, the land was completely dry. All water features at Saltfleet have been naturally captured from rain, creek flow, and other surface water, and they maintain water year-round. When complete, the four Saltfleet wetlands will be able to hold as much water as 236 Olympic-size swimming pools.
Wildlife Recorded
HCA Ecological Services staff monitor Saltfleet every three years for both animal and plant species. While wetland seed mixes were used for initial planting, some native plants established themselves through seeds on the wind and in the soil, including hundreds of cattails.
Before the site was developed, in 2020, staff counted 7 species of waterfowl. By 2025, there were 19 species of waterfowl, including blue-winged teal, buffleheads, and the small, secretive sora. Some species like Canada geese can be seen year-round, while others like Barrow’s goldeneye use Saltfleet as an important seasonal migration resting spot.
Frog species follow a similar pattern: from 4 to 6 species since wetland construction, plus their overall population numbers have noticeably increased. HCA staff on twilight frog surveys have described the chirps and calls as, “so loud you can’t hear yourself talk!”
Welcoming Community
In 2022, the first wetland was constructed, along with the opening of new trails to the public. The second wetland was built in 2025. Visitor experience has steadily improved, with driveway and parking lot upgrades made in 2025, as well. More local and greater Hamilton community members are discovering what Saltfleet has to offer, including access to Devils Punchbowl Conservation Area and other natural areas via the Dofasco 2000 Trail connection. Saltfleet and its neighbouring Conservation Areas see thousands of visitors each year.
What’s Next, Thanks to a Transformational Gift?
Although Saltfleet’s initial success is encouraging, the work is far from over. Heritage Green Community Trust’s generosity continues to turn HCA’s vision for Saltfleet into reality.
The third wetland parcel, located near Devil’s Punchbowl Conservation Area, represents a major milestone in restoring this landscape. Detailed design and archaeological investigations are currently underway, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027, subject to the completion of design, approvals and procurement. The proposed 50-acre wetland will include the construction of a berm and grading to establish the wetland basin, native plantings, ecological restoration work, new connections to the Dofasco 2000 Trail, and a range of site improvements that will enhance both wildlife habitat and public access.
Heritage Green Community Trust’s gift will also help breathe new life into the former market building, transforming it into a welcoming visitor centre and administration hub for Hamilton mountain conservation areas. The new centre will serve visitors of all ages with environmental education space and interpretive signage, while also providing upgraded parking, accessible washrooms, and office amenities. As a multi-year project, early design and preliminary site work are anticipated to begin in 2027.
With this latest commitment, Heritage Green Community Trust has now invested more than $10 million in the Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project, building on their longstanding support for land acquisition and earlier phases of wetland restoration.
The Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Restoration Project has been made possible through the support of community partners, donors, conservation supporters, and government funding partners. Through their visionary leadership, Heritage Green Community Trust will not only help protect communities from flooding—they’re helping shape a healthier, more resilient future, where protection and connection go hand in hand.