Credit Valley Conservation

The Credit River, Norval and Caring for Creation

Norval sits right on the Credit River, so the work of Credit Valley Conservation is closer to parish life than its Mississauga office address might suggest. The conservation authority looks after the whole Credit River watershed, which stretches from the headwaters near Orangeville down through Halton Hills and Brampton to Lake Ontario at Port Credit. The river that runs past the village is part of the same system its staff monitor for water quality, flooding and habitat health.

Conservation authorities in Ontario were created to manage watersheds as whole natural units rather than town by town. In practice that means Credit Valley Conservation reviews development near rivers and wetlands, tracks flood risk, plants trees, restores stream banks and runs education programmes for schools and families. Many of its conservation areas are open to the public for walking, birdwatching and quiet reflection. Some charge a parking or entry fee and some ask visitors to reserve ahead in busy seasons, so check the official website before you set out.

A natural fit for parish families

For Catholic households, time outdoors can tie in with the Church's teaching on care for our common home, a theme Pope Francis set out in Laudato Si'. A few ideas:

• Plan a family walk along a nearby trail after Sunday Mass. Our mass times page can help you choose a morning.
• Look for volunteer tree-planting or clean-up days. These suit youth groups and confirmation candidates looking for service hours.
• Use a quiet trail for a simple prayer walk, pausing to give thanks at the river.

Practical tips

Trails along the Credit can be muddy in spring and after heavy rain, so sturdy footwear helps. Stay on marked paths to protect sensitive plants. Keep dogs leashed where signs require it, and carry out any litter. River levels can rise quickly, so keep children well back from the banks during high water.

If your ministry group is thinking about a stewardship outing, mention it to the parish office through our contact page. Other local suggestions are listed in Places.