West Highland Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Highland Creek |
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 Location of the mouth of the creek in Toronto
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Municipality | Toronto |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | L'Amoreaux Park Steeles neighbourhood 185 m (607 ft) 43°49′00″N 79°18′15″W / 43.81667°N 79.30417°W |
| River mouth | Highland Creek Woburn neighbourhood 99 m (325 ft) 43°46′27″N 79°11′55″W / 43.77417°N 79.19861°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The West Highland Creek is a small river in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is a branch, or tributary, of the larger Highland Creek. All of West Highland Creek and its smaller branches are located within the area once known as Scarborough. This creek helps drain water from the northwest part of the city into Lake Ontario.
Contents
Journey of the Creek
West Highland Creek starts its journey in L'Amoreaux Park. This park is in the Steeles neighbourhood of Toronto. The creek begins at a height of about 185 meters (607 feet) above sea level.
Flowing Through Parks and Neighbourhoods
From L'Amoreaux Park, the creek flows southwest. It passes under streets like Birchmount Road and Finch Avenue. As it continues, it turns south and enters the Tam O'Shanter Golf Club. The creek then goes under Kennedy Road and Sheppard Avenue. It also flows beneath a busy railway track used by GO Transit.
The creek then passes under Highway 401, a major road. It makes a loop, heading west and then back east. After this, it turns east near the Scarborough RT line. The creek then flows into the Bendale neighbourhood and through Birkdale Ravine Park.
Meeting Other Creeks
West Highland Creek continues its path, flowing under Brimley Road and into Thomson Memorial Park. It then goes under McCowan Road and Lawrence Avenue. Here, it meets and takes in a smaller branch called the Southwest Highland Creek. This meeting point is about 138 meters (453 feet) above sea level.
The creek then travels east through Cedarbrook Park. It passes under Markham Road and through the Scarboro Golf and Country Club. Finally, West Highland Creek enters Morningside Park. It reaches its end, or mouth, where it joins the main Highland Creek. This happens at a height of about 99 meters (325 feet) above sea level.
Creek's Natural History
West Highland Creek is home to different kinds of fish. You might find trout, carp, and bass living in its waters. The creek flows through a valley that was carved out by glaciers after the last Ice Age.
Fun and Recreation Along the Creek
The land next to West Highland Creek offers many places for outdoor fun. These areas are important green spaces for the middle of Scarborough.
- L'Amoreaux Park: This is one of the biggest parks in Scarborough. It covers about 145.3 acres (58.8 hectares). The park has many sports facilities for people to use.
- Thomson Memorial Park: Another important park located along the creek.
- Golf Courses: There are two golf courses near the creek. The Scarboro Golf & Country Club is a private course that opened in 1914. The Tam O'Shanter is a public golf course.
- Trails: You can find paths for cycling and walking along almost the entire length of the creek. These trails are great for exploring nature. However, there are no trails in a small section around Highway 401 and on the private land of the Scarboro Golf & Country Club.
Creek Branches
- Southwest Highland Creek
