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Ashbridge's Creek facts for kids

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Ashbridge's Creek
Detail of an 1884 Goad's Atlas, showing Ashbridge's Creek.jpg
Country Canada
State Ontario
Municipality Toronto
Physical characteristics
River mouth Ashbridge's Bay, Lake Ontario
Length 4 km (2.5 mi)

Ashbridge's Creek was a small river that once flowed into Ashbridge's Bay in Toronto, Canada. It was located between the larger Don River and Highland Creek. This creek was about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long. Its source was north of Greenwood Avenue and Danforth Avenue.

Ashbridge's Creek: A Hidden River

Ashbridge's Creek is no longer visible today. It was an important part of the landscape before Toronto grew into a big city. Many small creeks like this one were covered over as cities expanded.

Why Was It Buried?

In 1909, Ashbridge's Creek was buried underground. It was turned into a sewer system. This happened at the same time as two other nearby creeks, Smalls Creek and Tomlin's Creek.

Toronto's Growth

These creeks were buried shortly after the areas they flowed through became part of the growing city of Toronto. When a city "annexes" an area, it means that area officially becomes part of the city. As Toronto grew, it needed better ways to manage water and waste. Burying the creeks helped with city planning and sanitation.

A Piece of History Remains

Even though the creek is gone, a small part of its history can still be found. The Ashbridge family, who owned land nearby, built a fence along the creek. They did this to stop their cattle from polluting the water. Parts of this old fence still exist today near Craven Road in Toronto. It's a small reminder of the creek that once flowed there.

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