Project Overview:

We thank all participants! Only successful applicants will be contacted.

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is inviting passionate community members to apply to join the Twelve Mile Creek Watershed Committee, a key initiative to collect local voices to develop an updated integrated watershed management plan for one of Niagara’s most ecologically significant watercourses.

The multi-stakeholder committee will bring together up to 13 members representing local municipalities, conservation and naturalist organizations, academia and scientific communities, Indigenous partners, and NPCA staff. By combining diverse perspectives and expertise, the committee will help guide a coordinated, science-based approach to watershed management

What's in it for you?
If you’re eager to gain experience, share your expertise, and contribute to the future of our watershed through a multi-stakeholder approach, we invite you to join us! Your voice can help shape a more sustainable and resilient Twelve Mile Creek watershed.

Next Steps:

• Learn about the NPCA including the 2021-2031 Strategic Plan (see Important Links)
• Review the Terms of Reference
• Apply by May 4, 2026 through the application form tab below

Applications will be reviewed by an NPCA staff and assessed based on the quality and relevance of the application as it pertains to the vacancy posting and the candidate’s ability to meet the role / expectations of members. Recommended candidates will be contacted by staff and applicants will be notified via email of the outcome of their application.

Find all requirements & responsibilities in the Terms of Reference:

The Importance of Twelve Mile Creek:

The Twelve Mile Creek watershed drains approximately 132km², beginning as small, spring-fed stream above the Niagara Escarpment in Fonthill and flowing north to Lake Ontario and Port Dalhousie. Along its journey, it passes through diverse landscapes, including Short Hills Provincial Park, before reaching the urbanized areas of St. Catharines.

A Unique Cold-Water Ecosystem:

Twelve Mile Creek is Niagara’s only cold-water stream, making it a rare and valuable ecosystem. Its headwater support breeding populations of native Brook Trout and Brown Trout, species that depend on cold, clean, well-oxygenated water.

Brook Trout are highly sensitive to environmental changes. Their presence is a strong indicator of a healthy watershed, as they cannot survive in polluted or warm water conditions. Today, their population is limited to a few isolated areas, highlighting the importance of protecting and restoring this fragile habitat.

Environmental Pressures and Challenges:

Despite its ecological importance, Twelve Mile Creek faces a wide range of ongoing environmental pressures:

• Rising water temperatures due to climate change and land use changes
• Erosion, sedimentation, and degraded water quality
• Urban stormwater runoff and pollution
• Barriers to fish migration and altered stream channels
• Impacts from agriculture and urbanization
• Loss of wetlands, riparian vegetation, and biodiversity
• Invasive species and habitat fragmentation

Caring for Twelve Mile Creek is a shared responsibility. Through collaboration, restoration, and sustainable land management, we can help ensure a healthy, resilient watershed for future generations.