Black Creek (Toronto) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Creek |
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Black Creek at Eglinton Avenue West
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 Location of the mouth of the creek in Toronto
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Golden Horseshoe |
| Municipalities | |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | retention basin Vaughan, Regional Municipality of York 210 m (690 ft) 43°49′35″N 79°33′34″W / 43.82639°N 79.55944°W |
| River mouth | Humber River Toronto 89 m (292 ft) 43°40′09″N 79°30′41″W / 43.66917°N 79.51139°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 66 km2 (25 sq mi) |
Black Creek is a small but important river in Ontario, Canada. It flows from the city of Vaughan in the Regional Municipality of York to the Humber River in Toronto. Even though it's not as big as some other rivers in the Greater Toronto Area, it plays a key role in the local environment and history.
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Where Black Creek Flows
Black Creek starts in the Vellore area of Vaughan. It begins from a special pond called a Retention basin, which helps manage water. The creek then flows southeast, passing under major roads like Highway 400. It continues south, making a few turns, until it reaches Toronto.
In Toronto, the creek flows past the famous Black Creek Pioneer Village, an open-air museum. It also goes by the main York University campus. For much of its journey, Black Creek flows through natural, forested areas. However, in some parts, it passes under city streets through underground tunnels called culverts.
Journey Through Toronto
As Black Creek moves further south, it enters a concrete channel near Jane Street and Wilson Avenue. This channel helps control the water flow, especially under busy roads like Highway 401. After this, the creek returns to a more natural state, flowing through several parks and green spaces.
The creek valley also has a road named Black Creek Drive. This road follows the creek south towards Weston Road in the Mount Dennis neighbourhood. Near its end, Black Creek flows in a man-made concrete channel. This channel runs through the middle of Humber Boulevard. Finally, Black Creek joins the Humber River near Scarlett Road and Dundas Street West.
The Health of Black Creek
People in Toronto have been working for many years to keep Black Creek healthy. The creek's journey can be thought of in three main parts:
- From its start to Highway 407: Here, Black Creek flows through industrial areas in Vaughan. It often runs in drainage ditches and gets water from other storm ponds.
- Between Highway 407 and Weston Road: In this section, the creek is in a more natural, forested setting. It shares its valley with Black Creek Drive.
- From Weston Road to the Humber River: This part of the creek mostly flows through concrete channels. These channels run through parks and along city streets.
Challenges for the Creek
Black Creek can be affected by chemicals from nearby golf courses. It also gets runoff from industrial areas upstream in Vaughan. Because much of the creek is in concrete channels, heavy rains can cause flooding. This can affect both the lower parts of Black Creek and parts of the Humber River.
Lavender Creek: A Hidden Stream
Lavender Creek is another small stream that flows into Black Creek. Its source is near Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue West. For a long time, much of Lavender Creek has been buried underground. It flows through culverts and then reappears before joining Black Creek.
Major Flood in 2005
On August 19, 2005, Black Creek experienced very heavy flooding. This happened because of extremely strong rains that day. The flood was so powerful that it damaged a culvert on Finch Avenue.
Communities Along Black Creek
Many communities are located near Black Creek. These include:
- Lambton, Toronto
- Mount Dennis, Toronto
- Downsview, Toronto
- Edgeley, Vaughan
- Vellore, Vaughan
- Weston, Toronto
Places to Visit Along Black Creek
There are many interesting attractions and green spaces along Black Creek. These include:
- York University, Toronto
- Oakdale Golf and Country Club, Toronto
- Beechwood Cemetery, Vaughan
- North York Sheridan Mall, Toronto
- Lambton Golf and Country Club, Toronto
- Chris Tonks Arena, Toronto
- Derrydowns Park
- Topcliffe Park
- Northwood Park
- Downsview Dells Park
- Chalkfarm Park
- Upwood Park
- Coronation Park
- Keelesdale Park
- Smythe Park
- Lambton Park
- Glen Scarlett Park
- Rockcliffe-Symthe Gulley
