Building resilience at Forty Mile Creek in Coronation Park

Funding provided through Canada Community-Building Fund

In Grimsby, the west bank of Forty Mile Creek now stands reinforced, safer, and sturdier for the future.

The creek runs through Coronation Park – a local area that was once a simple greenspace. Through this investment, the park has gained a stronger shoreline, a safer multi-use pathway, and welcoming spaces where residents can enjoy nature, including inviting seating areas with picnic tables.

Erosion posed a growing threat to the creek's shoreline and nearby amenities. Higher flows and more frequent storms steadily weakened the bank, putting the pathway and park at risk of flooding.

Improving access and leisure spaces

To protect the shoreline, large natural stones, layers of rock, and a protective fabric under the stones to keep soil in place were installed. Together, these elements strengthen 50 metres of the west bank and stop the shoreline and grounds from washing away when water levels rise. The layers of rock stabilize the bank and help break up fast water, slowing erosion rates and reducing the likelihood of future repairs. As a bonus, bench seating was built right into the wall, turning it into a comfortable spot to sit and watch the water.

These upgrades also help protect public assets and lower the risk of damage to nearby properties and facilities, including the Grimsby Lions Community Pool. The naturalized design also blends the stonework with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the look and feel of the park.

Residents benefit from a safer shoreline and better access to the creek. The multi-use pathway connects neighbourhoods, and provides access to local businesses and services, offering a pleasant, year-round walking and cycling route through the park. New seating and picnic areas give families and visitors more places to gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors.

Investing in community safety and wellness

The Canada Community-Building Fund supported this project, helping the Town of Grimsby make improvements that protect public spaces and adapt to changing weather.

The Forty Mile Creek erosion protection project demonstrates how simple materials that stand the test of time, combined with thoughtful design, can protect a natural corridor and make a community space better at the same time. In Coronation Park, the outcome is a stronger shoreline, safer amenities, and a place residents can enjoy season after season.

Quick facts

• Upgrading the shoreline with a stronger retaining wall will protect the park's trails, utilities, and the Grimsby Lions Community Pool from storms and water erosion, while making visits more enjoyable and accessible year-round.
• Across Canada, the federal government renewed the Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) and is investing $26.7 billion over the next ten years (2024-2034) to support core infrastructure projects.
• The CCBF invests in 19 different project categories in over 3,700 communities across the country, such as public transit, water infrastructure, solid waste management, highways, roads, and bridges.

For more information

• Canada Community-Building Fund in Ontario
• Grimsby Renews Coronation Park with Erosion Protection and Beautification