Soper Creek Subwatershed Study

An update report on Phase 1 of the Soper Creek Subwatershed Study will be included on the agenda of the upcoming Planning and Development Committee meeting on June 5, 2023, at 5 p.m. The purpose of the update is to inform Council of the completion of Phase 1 of the Study and next steps. The final Phase 1 Report is now available.

The Planning and Development Committee meeting agenda, including a copy of the update report, is available through the Council Meeting Calendar.

The Soper Creek originates on the Oak Ridges Moraine and has a drainage area of approximately 7,730 hectares (77 square kilometres). The Soper Creek flows southeast across the northern part of Bowmanville and continues southerly along the eastern limits of the Bowmanville Urban Area.

There are four subwatersheds within the Soper Creek drainage basin: Mackie, Soper North, Soper East and Soper Main. This subwatershed study will focus on the areas of the Soper Creek Subwatershed that are located within the Bowmanville Urban Area.

The Subwatershed Study will balance the natural and human environments in areas that are anticipated to experience urban development. These recommendations will guide sustainable development of land.

Phase 1 Study report

Phase 1 of the Study investigated and inventoried the natural resources which could be impacted by future urban development within the Study area (shown on the map above).  This creates a base of information that will be used to develop stormwater management and natural heritage strategies in the next phase of the Study to protect, rehabilitate, and enhance the environment within the Study area limits.

The Phase 1 (Existing Conditions) Report provides information on groundwater, surface water and ecological resources within the study area, as well as flooding and erosion constraints, the natural heritage system, headwater drainage features and recommendations for further study.

• Phase 1 (Existing Conditions) Report (PDF)
• Report appendices available on request

Presentation of key findings from the Phase 1 (Existing Conditions) Report were presented at Public Information Centre #1 (see below).

Public Information Centre #1 – December 6, 2022

Over 30 people attended the first Public Information Centre for the Soper Creek Subwatershed Study. Staff and the Municipality’s consulting team, Aquafor Beech Limited and SGL Planning and Design Inc., were on hand to answer questions. Information about existing conditions in the study area, including groundwater, biodiversity, streams, and erosion and natural hazards was presented. 

• Summary of Phase 1 Existing Conditions Report and PIC Purpose (PDF)
• Presentation (PDF)
• Recording of Meeting (available by request)
• Questions and Responses (PDF)

Staff reports

• PSD-040-23 Soper Creek Subwatershed Study - Phase 1 Updated (Coming Soon)
• PSD-071-17 New Residential Secondary Plans – Official Plan Implementation (PDF)
• COD-007-18 Award of Contract to Aquafor Beech Limited (PDF)

Background documents

• Bowmanville / Soper Creek Existing Conditions Report, CLOCA 2011
• Bowmanville / Soper Creek Watershed Management Plan, CLOCA 2013

Stay informed and get involved

• Subscribe to this page to receive email notification when this page is updated with upcoming meetings, surveys and reports.
• Get in touch with project management staff: Amy Burke, Principal Planner – Project Manager at 905-623-3379 ext. 2423 or email SoperCreeksubwatershed@clarington.net.