This multi-year community action-based project began in 2022 with the financial support of the Government of Canada. The goal was to raise awareness and reduce stormwater contaminants from entering streams and lakes in the Junction Creek watershed.
Read more in the Stormwater project press release.
The JCSC installed catch basin insert filters in publicly accessible parking lots to capture and remove stormwater contaminates, and delivered stewardship programs and outreach to engage youth, community members and stakeholders in local stormwater quality issues and green infrastructure solutions. We collaborated with local water stewardship groups, schools, libraries, churches and shopping centres to install easy-to-use catch basin insert filters that can be maintained by property management or the community, with guidance from the JCSC team.
The objectives were to engage Greater Sudbury in community-based action by providing the knowledge and training for volunteers and/or property management staff to install, monitor, and manage inserts between May and November each year. In addition, project activities included youth-oriented water stewardship programs to engage youth in local freshwater health and stormwater pollution, public workshops and site tours with guest speakers and local experts, and educational resources and outreach material. As a result, we collectively contributed to improving water quality in local streams, lakes and rivers in the Junction Creek watershed.
Stormwater Project 2022-24 Brochure (English)
Stormwater Project 2022-24 Brochure (French)
LittaTrap catch basin filter (left), fabric catch basin filter insert (right)
2022 Results
During the fall 2022, we tested two types of filters in 8 catch basins in parking lots in the South End of Sudbury. In only 3 weeks, these measures successfully captured a total of 31 kg of garbage, sand and debris. Cigarette butts and plastic were the most common items of litter captured in the catch basin filters.
2023 Results
The project was expanded in 2023 to empower the community in long-term water stewardship while reducing harmful substances from entering local streams and lakes. We invited community partners to get involved and help make a positive impact!
Throughout the duration of the project, a total of 34 catch basins were fitted with insert filters. These catch basins were located in parking lots and publicly accessible areas across Greater Sudbury - Garson, Cambrian Heights, New Sudbury, Downtown, Ramsey Lake area and the South End. The filters successfully captured 4,906 pieces of litter and a total of 112 kg of litter and debris!
Neighbourhood Summaries Brochures (Bilingual)
Cambrian Heights Area
Downtown Area
Garson Area
New Sudbury Area
Ramsey Lake Area
South End Area
Thank you to everyone involved, including project partners, funders, property owners, and volunteers!
City of Greater Sudbury
Conservation Sudbury
Greater Sudbury Public Library
Laurentian University Environmental Sustainability Committee
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School students
Lockerby Composite School students
Nepahwin Lake Watershed Stewardship Group
Science North
Vale Living With Lakes Centre
WILD Outside
And the property management at project sites
Also, a special thank you to EnviropodCanada Ltd. for discounts on LittaTraps!
