Wascana Creek facts for kids
Wascana Creek is a stream located in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. It starts in the fields east of Regina, near a place called Vibank. The creek then flows for about 45 kilometers (28 miles) to the southeast before turning west near Tyvan.
After this turn, Wascana Creek flows northwest, passing right through the city of Regina. In Regina, the creek was dammed a long time ago by the Canadian Pacific Railway. This dam created a beautiful lake called Wascana Lake. The lake was made to provide water for old-fashioned steam locomotives (trains powered by steam) and to make Regina look nicer. After leaving Wascana Lake, the creek continues its journey and eventually joins the Qu'Appelle River near Lumsden. The creek and all the smaller streams that flow into it collect water from an area larger than 2,200 square kilometers (850 square miles).
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Journey of Wascana Creek
Wascana Creek has an interesting path from its start to where it ends.
Where it Begins
The creek begins in the open fields east of Regina. It collects water from rain and melting snow in this area. From there, it starts its long journey across the land.
Flowing Through Regina
As Wascana Creek reaches Regina, it becomes a very important part of the city. The creation of Wascana Lake changed the creek's flow here. This lake is now a central feature of Regina, used for recreation and enjoyed by many people.
Joining the Qu'Appelle River
After leaving Regina and Wascana Lake, the creek continues to flow northwest. It eventually meets the larger Qu'Appelle River. This is where Wascana Creek's journey ends, as its waters join the river and continue onward.
Water Quality and Environment
Keeping our waterways clean is very important for nature and people.
Understanding Water Quality
In 2011, a group called Environment Canada studied Wascana Creek. They found that the creek had some levels of pollution. This means that the water contained substances that could be harmful to plants and animals living in the creek. It's important to protect our water sources to keep them healthy for everyone.
Life in the Creek
Even with some challenges, Wascana Creek and Wascana Lake are home to various fish species. In the lake part of the creek, you can find small fish like the Brook stickleback and the fathead minnow. These fish are an important part of the local ecosystem.
