Fulton Creek (Alberta) facts for kids
Fulton Creek is a small stream that flows into the North Saskatchewan River. It starts in The Meadows part of Edmonton, Alberta. Like many city streams in Edmonton, Fulton Creek often flows through underground pipes called culverts. Because of this, and how its water is managed for city development and to prevent erosion, it's sometimes called a "lost creek."
Where Fulton Creek Starts
Fulton Creek begins in the southeastern part of Edmonton. It starts in the Fulton Marsh, located in the Maple neighbourhood. This marsh is a special wetland that was built by people. The original marsh was drained in the 1990s for new buildings. But a new, protected wetland was created after 2010. This new Fulton Marsh helps protect local plants and animals. As Fulton Creek travels northwest towards the North Saskatchewan River, it gets water from other smaller streams. Most of these smaller streams have also disappeared from view.
Fulton Creek's Journey
After leaving the Fulton Marsh, Fulton Creek flows through different parts of Edmonton. It passes through areas with factories and businesses, called industrial parks. It also flows through several neighbourhoods where people live.
Here's the path Fulton Creek takes:
- Fulton Marsh Constructed Wetland in the Maple neighbourhood
- Maple Ridge Industrial
- Southeast Industrial
- Pylypow Industrial
- Weir Industrial Park
- Davies Industrial East
- Gainer Industrial
- Kenilworth neighbourhood
- Ottewell neighbourhood
- Terrace Heights neighbourhood
- Fulton Place neighbourhood
- It finally flows into the North Saskatchewan River. This happens near the Capilano Bridge.
How Fulton Creek Flows
Much of Fulton Creek flows through underground pipes, or culverts. The City of Edmonton built these to make space for new neighbourhoods. Because of these culverts, not much water flows into the river, especially in summer. The creek can even dry up sometimes.
However, when snow melts in the spring, the creek can overflow. This allows more meltwater to reach the river. Over time, the City of Edmonton has added more culverts and special barriers called Gabion Check dams. These help control the water flow and prevent the land from washing away (erosion).
The area around Fulton Marsh is mostly flat. But as the creek gets closer to the North Saskatchewan River, the land starts to slope. It eventually forms a sharp, deep valley called a ravine.
Fulton Creek goes under Whitemud Drive through a short culvert. This is between the Maple and Maple Ridge Industrial areas. It flows above ground through much of Maple Ridge, Southeast, and Pylypow industrial areas. Then it goes back into a culvert near 43a Street and 69 Avenue.
The creek stays in underground culverts through the Weir, Davies, and Gainer industrial areas. It also flows underground through the Kenilworth and Ottewell neighbourhoods. It reappears in small pond areas in a park near Austin O'Brien Catholic High School. From there, Fulton Creek mostly flows above ground. It runs through the park-like Fulton Creek Ravine. This ravine separates the Terrace Heights and Fulton Place neighbourhoods. Wayne Gretzky Drive runs along the side of the ravine's northern part. Finally, Fulton Creek flows into the North Saskatchewan River, near the Capilano Bridge.
