2024 Annual Report Released

We are pleased to present our annual report for 2024. As we reflect on the past year, we share with great pride and enthusiasm the remarkable achievements and progress we have made in our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

2024 Annual Report

It is with great pride that we present the 2024 Annual Report, reflecting on a year of progress, collaboration, and commitment to conservation. This past year, we continued to build on our mission of protecting and enhancing our watershed while connecting people to nature in meaningful ways.

A significant milestone was the release of our 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, setting a strong foundation for the next five years. In the coming years, we will focus on capacity building, adapting to climate change, responding to provincial regulatory updates, and addressing emerging conservation needs. We are also enhancing visitor engagement to strengthen connections with our watershed communities and partners. Additionally, we will advance our IT modernization strategy to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Among our many achievements in 2024, we continued to advance the Saltfleet Conservation Area Wetland Project. This initiative will create four wetlands to mitigate flooding and erosion in lower urban Stoney Creek, safeguard downstream properties and residents, create and enhance natural habitat for flora and fauna, and provide public access to these natural areas and trails. We successfully secured additional federal funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada through the Canada Nature Fund, which provided financial resources to help advance the project. We also released a new video and hosted a variety of tours to expand awareness and showcase the project’s vital role and benefits in protecting both people and nature.

We also celebrated the completion of the Fifty Point Wetland Restoration Project, which will help mitigate flooding and support aquatic life. Additionally, we made great progress in climate action, adding electric vehicles to our fleet and participating in key sustainability leadership initiatives.

2024 was also a year of expanding experiences for our visitors. From launching new trails and wayfinding signage to reintroducing boat rentals and improving accessibility, we are committed to ensuring that our conservation areas remain welcoming and inspiring spaces for all.

None of these accomplishments would be possible without the dedication of our Board, volunteers, staff, and valued partners. Their tireless efforts, passion, and expertise continue to drive our success and strengthen our ability to protect and enhance the natural spaces that define our region. Thank you for your continued support as we move forward together, building a healthier, more resilient watershed for generations to come.

Lisa Burnside, CAO
Brad Clark, Board Chair

2024 Annual Report Released

Become a Member!

HCA Quick Links

Conservation Areas

Activities

Join Our Mailing List!

Current Water Levels

Water Level Explanations

Flood Status Explanations

	Normal No low water conditions exist.
	Level 1 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 10 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 80 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 100 / 70 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 2 Water users are asked to voluntarily reduce consumption by 20 percent. Precipitation totals are less than 60 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 70 / 50 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.
	Level 3 There is also potential for economic harm to water takers and/or significant harm to the ecosystem. The Hamilton Water Response Team may ask the province to impose mandatory restrictions on those holding Permits to Take Water. Precipitation totals are less than 40 percent of long-term averages and/or 30-day average streamflows are less than 50 / 30 percent (springtime / otherwise) of the minimum of the long-term average monthly flows for summer months.

	Normal No flood conditions exist.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety High flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
	Watershed Conditions Statement - Flood Outlook Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
	Flood Watch Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
	Flood Warning Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities and individuals should take action to deal with flood conditions. This may include road closures and evacuations.