ERIN – A member of the Coalition for the West Credit River is looking out for a local fish species before it’s too late.
The delegate to council stated the Brook Trout population in Southern Ontario has declined by 80 per cent over the last 50 years.
Brook Trout, the presentation states, is a species of fish with significance, historically used as a food source by First Nations.
In the West Credit River, it was noted there is one of the only remaining native Brook Trout populations in Southwestern Ontario.
The river runs through both Erin and Caledon.
Concerns about water temperatures and the toxicity of ammonia on the trout were raised by the biologist, who stated the “at risk” label is seeming imminent if work isn’t done by council and the coalition.
Mayor Michael Dehn responded by offering a future report from council and potential mitigation efforts when pending development takes off in Erin.
The coalition leader agreed, noting this could be a collaborative effort, and that his group could offer support and resources to staff.
Dehn and council thanked the coalition for their thorough presentation, complete with several charts and key statistics, and pledged to begin establishing that collaborative nature with the group hoping to save the West Credit River.
