Grant Wetland Resources - Couchiching Conservancy

Grant Wetland Nature Reserve is a natural feature that pre-dates the canals, homes, and streets around it. It is part of what was once a much larger wetland along Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe. Protected since 1996, Grant Wetland plays a vital role in flood control, water purification, and wildlife habitat

As the residential area has grown around it, this wetland remains — continuing to serve as a filter of pollutants, buffer against heavy rainfall, and a haven for plant and animal biodiversity.

Did you know that Sundial Creek is the last remaining cold water creek in Orillia? Grant Wetland supports this threatened habitat and is a haven for brook trout, which are experiencing severe decline in Ontario.

Page Overview:

What Wetlands Do For Us
Flooding information
What Role Do Beavers Play
How We Manage Water Levels
How Can We Live More Harmoniously Alongside Nature?
What Can Homeowners Can Do?
Join Community Science In Action
Other Links & Resources

What Do Wetlands Do for Us?

Wetlands are among the most valuable ecosystems on Earth — supporting nature, people, and climate resilience. Here’s how:

Flood Protection

Sponge-like soils absorb excess rain and snowmelt, reducing flood risks during extreme weather.

Water Filtration

Trap sediments and pollutants, keeping our rivers and lakes cleaner.

Wildlife Protection

Provide essential habitat for frogs, turtles, birds, fish, pollinators, and more.

ClimatE & Groundwater

Help recharge groundwater and store carbon — both critical in a changing climate.

Did you know that each hectare of inland wetland, like Grant Wetland, contributes around $63,000 annually in ecosystem services that benefit surrounding communities?- IUCN

MYTH	Fact
Wetlands are useless, swampy land.	They are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth — they filter water, store carbon, and support wildlife.
Wetlands increase flooding.	Wetlands reduce flooding by absorbing rainwater and slowly releasing it, like a natural sponge.
Wetlands don't belong in cities.	In urban areas, wetlands help manage stormwater, cool local temperatures, and support pollinators and birds.

Roehl Wetland Nature Reserve (C. Pellerin).

Why Is Flooding Increasing Around Grant Wetland?

Wetlands have always stored and slowed water, especially during heavy rain. But over time, the landscape around them has changed.

As more roads, roofs, and driveways (hard surfaces) are built, there’s less open ground to absorb rainfall. This increases the volume and speed of water runoff, which can overwhelm natural drainage and cause localized flooding — especially near low-lying areas like wetlands and lakes. The lack of soft ground surface area makes it more difficult for the wetland absorb the shock of heavy rainfall events.

“ The Orillia weather station recorded the highest rainfall for April since records began in 1994, April 2024 also saw the most days of "heavy" rainfall (over 10 mm per day). ”

(Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, 2025)

Have you noticed an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events? The ice storm in Spring of 2025 and the heavy rainfall events of 2024 have been alarming reminders that extreme weather leads to more frequent flash floods and sustained flooding in low-lying areas. These events challenge the natural drainage abilities of the wetland. They also test and exceed the capacity of city drainage infrastructure, leading to property and environmental damage.

To the right, you’ll find Orillia’s official Flood Hazard Map, which outlines known flood-prone zones. As shown, Grant Wetland is located within one of these areas — meaning flooding is a recognized and long-standing risk, especially when development occurs around sensitive natural features.

Click on the image to view the whole report. Grant Wetland is located on map 4.

What Role Do Beavers Play At Grant Wetland?

Beavers are native to Ontario and act as ecosystem architects and engineers. Their activities provide habitat for other wildlife, and can increase local biodiversity by as much as 50%. Their dams add structure to the environment and decrease the likelihood of flooding downstream when properly managed, by slowing the flow rate of water and releasing it over a longer period of time. Beavers increase the overall health of the ecosystem.

MYTH	Fact
Beavers cause flooding.	Beaver dams slow water flow, reduce downstream flooding, and recharge groundwater. Beaver dams slow water flow, reduce downstream flooding, and recharge groundwater, the reserve of water that protects against draught. The sudden release of derelict beaver dams can cause flooding, but this occurs when dams weaken after beavers no longer maintain them.
Dams are destructive.	Dams create wetlands that support birds, frogs, fish, and clean water.
Beavers don’t belong in cities.	Beavers are native species returning to habitat that supported them long before development — even in urban areas. We can work with beavers to make natural areas healthier.

American Beaver (T. Rowland)

How The Couchiching Conservancy Manages Water Levels at Grant Wetland

Our Community Science Water Monitor teams measure water quality and water levels at Grant Wetland regularly. This tells us when pollution may affect the health of the wetland and Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe. It also tells us when more flow is needed through the wetland to manage flood risks.

What Else Are We Doing?

Regular water quality and level monitoring
Two small beaver baffles have been installed and checked regularly in the past
Past beaver dam removal during legal timeframes, as per The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
Two large beaver baffles will be installed during Summer 2025, based on a proven Ontario Parks design
Trapping beavers to maintain a reasonable population
Invasive plant species removals to keep water flowing and prevent sedimentation of Sundial Creek

Why Beaver Baffles?

Beaver baffles are flow-control devices designed to allow beavers to build and maintain their dams while quietly regulating water levels behind the scenes.
They keep water flowing through dammed areas and are effective in preventing localized flooding without needing to remove dams — protecting both wetland function and nearby homes.

Addressing Challenges

Due to ongoing concerns from surrounding neighbours about flooding, 10 beavers have been trapped and removed over the past year alone. Beavers will continue to be present in the area due to proximity to Lakes Couchiching and Simcoe, and they play a necessary role in local habitats

While live trapping is permitted in Ontario, relocation is highly restricted:

Beavers may only be relocated within 1 km of the capture site
Suitable habitat must be available
Landowner permission is required

Baffle on the East side of Grant Wetland- already installed (B. Guoth).

Large Baffle- planned for summer 2025 (Ontario Parks).

When relocation isn’t possible, humane euthanasia is the only remaining option — which was the approach taken in this case.

By installing beaver baffles, we aim to:

Minimize the need for repeated trapping

Maintain natural water filtration, flood protection, and wildlife habitat

Support coexistence between wildlife and residents

How Can We Live More Harmoniously Alongside Nature?

Wetlands and natural green spaces aren’t just scenic. They offer recreation, shade, peace of mind, and increase property values. They’re vital natural infrastructure. Wetlands capture carbon, reduce flood peaks, filter pollutants, and support biodiversity. In a changing climate, their role is more important than ever.

Urban wetlands like Grant Wetland Nature Reserve help buffer extreme weather by absorbing heavy rainfall and releasing it slowly. Communities and government across Canada are recognizing them as cost-effective and sustainable climate solutions — offering the benefits of flood control, pollution reduction, habitat, and carbon storage. Wetlands are far more effective than engineered infrastructure approaches.

On a landscape scale, preserving wetlands is insurance and preparedness for our future in the face of extreme weather.

What Homeowners Can Do

Simple changes around your property can make a big difference:

Join Community Science In Action

Grant Wetland is more than a critical ecosystem — it’s also a living classroom. Through our community science programs, volunteers help monitor the health of this wetland and the species that depend on it.

Ongoing monitoring efforts at Grant Wetland include:

Bat Monitoring

Tracking activity of Ontario’s at-risk bat species

Frog Monitoring

Listening for frogs to help assess amphibian populations

Water Quality Monitoring

Measuring indicators like clarity and nutrient levels

Land Stewardship

Regular visits by trained volunteers to report on, wildlife sightings, and invasive species

These programs provide valuable long-term data that supports conservation planning, while helping people connect to the land they’re helping to protect.