Junction Creek (also known as Nibi Nikwjiwong) is the central urban stream of Greater Sudbury/ N’Swakamok and is part of the Lake Huron watershed. The creek stretches 52 km from Garson through a Provincially Significant Wetland, under the downtown core, and connects to the Vermilion River and Spanish River before it drains into the North Channel and Lake Huron. Numerous communities are connected to Junction Creek and impacted by its condition.

The Junction Creek watershed is a natural valued asset. It serves as a wildlife corridor and accessible green space in an urban centre where past development has compromised its health. The watershed plays an important role in flood management, carbon storage, offers recreational and research opportunities, has historical and cultural significance, and supports diverse natural heritage. Restoring the watershed to a thriving ecosystem results in mutual benefits towards the health and resilience of the community and economic growth.

Facts About Junction Creek:

  • The Junction Creek watershed encompasses an approximate area of 329 square kilometres!
  • The 5 tributaries of the creek are: Garson Branch, Maley Branch, Frood Branch, Nolin Creek, and Copper Cliff Creek
  • A 762 m section of Junction Creek between Elm and Elgin Streets and a section of Nolin Creek from College to Elm Streets are enclosed by concrete box culverts constructed in 1966.
  • There is a total vertical drop of 105 metres from beginning to end.
  • Creek width varies from 2 metres (west branch) to 30 metres (Kelly Lake).
  • The average depth is 0.71m, there have been records of areas as shallow as 0.03m throughout the creek but, the deepest point is found in the Ponderosa Wetland at 2m.
  • Bank heights range from 1 to 6 metres.
  • Several dams exist in Junction Creek, including Maley, Clarabelle, Frood and Nickeldale. These dams serve as flood retention facilities.