Highway 401 construction to happen in the area of Grand River’s at-risk species

Several at-risk species are in jeopardy of losing their home.

Starting this spring the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) will be replacing the Grand River bridges of Highway 401, directly impacting the habitat in the area.

Many are concerned for the safety of the species living in the area, after the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks gave the thumbs up for MTO to move ahead with construction.

Two fish species are at-risk in the area: Black Redhorse and Silver Shiner, and one freshwater mussel species: the Wavy-rayed Lampmussel.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks told 570 NEWS that those species will be captured and relocated if found before construction.

“No direct impacts such as killing or harming individual members of the Species are expected to occur given the proposed mitigation measures and capture/handling and relocation protocols; however, individual members of the species may be incidentally harmed or killed and, therefore, the permit authorizes accidental harm or mortality,” said spokesperson Gary Wheeler in an email.
 
“Habitat impacts will be a result of the use of in-water rock-based causeways and equipment staging on the banks of the river during the removal of the old bridges and construction of the new ones. These areas will be rehabilitated in phases after project completion.”

Wheeler said the MTO is required to minimize impacts on the species and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA), and create an “overall benefit” for the species within a reasonable time frame by creating four overwintering pools, improving water quality by reducing sedimentation and pollution, and enhancing some of the shelter habitat in the area. This will be done by placing large boulder clusters in the areas previously containing the causeways and placing anchored trees along the shoreline.

Vice-Chair of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) and Mayor of North Dumfries, Sue Foxton said they will be working closely with MTO to ensure the safety of the species.

“We said we would protect these endangered species, we said we would be responsible for the land and then this happens. I'm sure GRCA through Samantha Lawson the CEO, as well as Chris White, who is the chair of the board and myself, will be dealing with the ministry on these issues and trying to touch base and bringing them back to logic.”

Foxton also said staff at GRCA will be present during the four-year construction, documenting and logging the entire process.

“Staff will be there, as things are happening. Staff will document and log everything that needs protecting and how it needs to be done they will then follow up to ensure it is done.”

Lee Alderson, a senior issues advisor for MTO says specific measures have been developed to mitigate and offset impacts to the species and their habitat during construction and once construction is completed.