In accordance with public health guidelines, the Detroit River Canadian Cleanup (DRCC) office remains closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Should you need to reach the DRCC, we can be reached via e-mail or telephone at (519) 982-3722.
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10th Annual Detroit River Evening |
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Many thanks to everyone who came out for the Detroit River Evening on June 24th on Zoom. There were over 50 people who either attended or watched the video since the event! Thanks to all the presenters who provided updates on the important work being done in the Detroit River Area of Concern by the DRCC Public Advisory Council, Essex Region Conservation Authority, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Caldwell First Nation. Miss the event? Watch it below! |
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2020-21 Annual Report and Pathway to Delisting |
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To learn more about the many projects that took place over the last year, download the DRCC annual report here.
We have also updated the Pathway to Delisting document. This living work plan outlines the remaining actions necessary to delist the Canadian side of the Detroit River as an Area of Concern. Download your copy here!
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Two Environmental Indicators no longer impaired for the Detroit River! |
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We are excited to announce that the Degradation of Benthos and Fish Tumours and Other Deformities beneficial uses are officially no longer impaired for the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC)! |
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Degradation of Benthos Redesignation |
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Historically, pollution discharges from the heavily urbanized and industrialized shorelines of the Detroit River have contributed to the significant ecological degradation of the benthos community. Benthos are a group of organisms made up of aquatic worms, insects, and other invertebrates, which inhabit the bottom of lakes and rivers. Many benthos are a key source of food for fish, frogs, and other wildlife. Over the past two decades a series of intensive investigations into the sediment quality and benthos health of the Detroit River were conducted. Results of these studies showed that sediment contaminants declined steadily between 1999-2013 and that the vast majority of the Canadian side of the Detroit River showed minimal benthos impairment and potential for bioaccumulation. These results indicate that the benthos communities are now considered to have recovered to a point where they are no longer impaired in the Detroit River. |
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Fish Tumours and Other Deformities Redesignation |
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In the 1980s, internal and external tumours and deformities in fish in the Detroit River were found at elevated rates. These deformities can be caused by pollution and sediment contamination. Although contaminants are still present in sediments in the Detroit River Area of Concern (AOC), the prevalence of tumours in brown bullhead (our indicator species) are decreasing. In part, this is due to legislation introduced by both Canadian and U.S. authorities to restrict the discharge of many pollutants into the river. Researchers from the Great Lakes Institute of Environmental Research (GLIER) examined liver tumours in brown bullhead caught in the Detroit River. Results show that liver tumours in brown bullhead have decreased to less than 1% (1 of 112) - a rate that is lower than the Great Lakes background of 2%. These results indicate that liver tumours in the Detroit River are no more prevalent than other Great Lakes sites, and the Fish Tumours and Other Deformities beneficial use is no longer considered impaired for the Canadian side of the Detroit River. |
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These are the seventh and eighth beneficial use re-designations for the Detroit River AOC. There are currently 4 remaining beneficial uses that are impaired and one that requires further assessment for the Canadian side of the Detroit River. The DRCC looks forward to more BUI redesignations in the coming years. |
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State of the Strait Conference - Contaminated Sediment Remediation |
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The State of the Strait is a binational (Canada-United States) collaboration that hosts a meeting every two years to bring together government managers, researchers, students, environmental and conservation organizations, and concerned citizens. Participants work to understand historical ecosystem conditions and assess current ecosystem status in order to achieve a better future for the Detroit River and western Lake Erie.
This year's conference will take place on December 02, 2021 from 08:00 am - 5:00 pm ET at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. The conference theme is Contaminated Sediment Remediation in the Detroit and Rouge Rivers: Legacy, Present State and Approaches to Collaborative Financing. Attending the conference is free, but registration is required.
Please Note: While we are anticipating an in-person event, precautions and restrictions pertaining to COVID-19 may necessitate a hybrid or fully remote format. This situation will continue to change and we will notify registrants of any changes to the program and format.
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Learn to Fish the Detroit River - Virtual Guide |
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Did you know that four times a year, Canadian residents can fish in Ontario without buying a fishing license? Family Fishing Week runs July 3 to July 11 this month! During this week, you can fish without a fishing license.
License free periods remind us about the value of Ontario's recreational fishery and the importance of keeping it healthy for future generations. Enjoy fishing and please follow conservation catch and size limits, obey sanctuaries and follow fishing regulations.
While the DRCC is not hosting the Family Fishing event this year, we put together a comprehensive virtual resource guide to help you and your friends and family get ready for fishing the Detroit River!
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Celebrate the Detroit River being a Canadian Heritage River this month! |
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July 19th is the 20th anniversary of the Detroit River receiving the Canadian Heritage River designation!
The History
The Detroit River is unique in Canada, the United States, and the world. On July 19th, 2001, it became the first and only river to receive both Canadian and American Heritage River designations. As the busiest international waterway in North America, the Detroit River, in fact, is more a road than a boundary.
In 1997, the Essex Region Conservation Authority (ERCA) initiated the process to have the Detroit River designated as a Canadian Heritage River. During this time, the American Heritage River Initiative asked for ERCA’s assistance in their parallel initiative. A stimulating and educational partnership began that was instrumental in achieving both designations... a partnership which remains strong and mutually beneficial to this day.
Over the next four years, a committee met regularly and worked diligently, furthering the effort to have the Detroit River receive its designation. After the preparation and submission of a background report and a nomination document, the Detroit River was nominated into the CHRS based on its human heritage and recreational values. A Management Strategy to conserve, interpret, enhance and appreciate values of the Detroit River and its watersheds was completed, and the River made history upon receiving its Canadian Heritage River Designation in 2001.
Photo Caption: Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray and Minister of Canadian Heritage Sheila Copps designate the Detroit River as a Canadian Heritage River on July 19, 2001.
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WindsorEssex Community Foundation 2021 Vital Signs Survey |
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The WindsorEssex Community Foundation wants to hear from you! Tell them what you think of Windsor-Essex as a place to live, learn, work, play, and grow by taking the 2021 Vital Signs Survey.
Take the survey here. Those who complete the survey have a chance to win $100.
Vital Signs is an annual check-up that measures the vitality of our community, identifies significant trends, and asses the areas critical to our quality of life.
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Have your say on the future of Point Pelee |
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Parks Canada has launched public consultation to renew the management plan for Point Pelee National Park. Once completed, the new plan will guide management decisions for the park over the next ten years and will be a key tool to engage Indigenous communities, local communities, stakeholders, and partners.
Parks Canada is inviting the public to share their views on the draft management plan for Point Pelee National Park and help shape its future. From June 1st through July 12th, they are looking for the public to provide their thoughts and feedback about this draft 10-year plan for the park, either by completing the online Point Pelee Management Plan comment card or emailing comments to pc.pelee.consultation.pc@canada.ca.
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Great Lakes Regional Online Poll |
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The International Joint Commission Great Lakes Water Quality Board invites you to complete a survey about issues related to the Great Lakes and water quality. This online poll explores the public's opinions, values, and beliefs about the Great Lakes as well as their concerns and suggestions for the future. Building upon a random telephone survey conducted in January 2021, they are seeking a wide range of input from people like yourself in this online survey.
The poll will take approximately 10 minutes to complete, and all individual responses will be kept in strict confidence.
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World Snake Day is celebrated every year on July 16 to raise awareness about the different types of snake species and the important role they play in maintaining ecological balance. |
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World Nature Conservation Day
July 28
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World Nature Conservation Day is observed all over the world on July 28 of every year. It is observed to create awareness about protecting and conserving natural resources. |
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Extra! Extra! Read all about it! |
The Detroit River and Great Lakes in the news. Here are some links to articles that may pique your interest. Click the link to read on.
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The Detroit River Canadian Cleanup is a partnership between government, industry, academics, as well as environmental and community organizations that work together to improve the Detroit River ecosystem through a Remedial Action Plan. Our goal is to remove the Detroit River from the list of Great Lakes Areas of Concern. |
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