The Middle Maitland Initiative began as demonstration project of the MWP Water Action Team. The Middle Maitland Rejuvenation Committee was formed to work with landowners on the implementation of rehabilitation projects.

The MMRC is a local volunteer group working to improve water quality and stream flow in the Middle Maitland River. The MMRC is also working to improve the health of the river for aquatic life.

Since 2000 the MMRC has undertaken a variety of activities including water quality sampling, surveying of landowners, the distribution of information newsletters and hosting public meetings.

Taking Action

Check out photos of recent MMRC activities in the Photo Gallery section.

The MMRC believes strongly in taking action to meet its goals. The Committee has worked with partners on a variety of projects including:

1. Berlett Planting Project

• Retirement of over 20 acres of floodplain
• Extensive tree and shrub planting

Much of the funding for this project was provided by the Perth-Oxford-Middlesex Clean Water Project.


Spring planting 2008.

2. Byman Floodplain Naturalization Project

• Creation of small wetlands to collect runoff from adjacent fields
• Native trees and shrubs have been planted around the wetlands
• Monitoring of water quality as it enters the wetlands and again as it enters the river

3. Listowel Memorial Park Naturalization Project

• Natural buffer created around the pond to reduce erosion and keepngeese off the trails
• A 1 km stretch has been naturalized on both sides of the river
• Volunteers have planted over 50,000 native wildflowers and grasses, 1200 shrubs and 100 trees

4. Assessment of the Middle Maitland River Channel

• River channel conditions assessed focusing on channel stability, function and stream health.
• Inventory of culverts and livestock crossings
• Results of study presented to local landowners

5. Annual River Clean Up Day

For several years the MMRC has hosted a River Clean Up Day with assistance from the Municipality of North Perth.


River Clean Up 2008.

6. Review of the Listowel Park Dam

Recently the MMRC has been working with the Municipality of North Perth and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority to consider the possible removal the dam at Listowel Memorial Park and the naturalization of the floodplain. Removing the dam would help restore the natural flow of the river, lower the temperature of the water and reduce algae growth.

Currently the MMRC is working with the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and the Municipality of North Perth to gather more information on the costs associated with removing the dam.

7. Stormwater Management Pond Naturaliztion

Volunteers from the MMRC have been working on planting trees and shrubs at the Listowel stormwater ponds. In November 2009 volunteers were busy wrapping trees at the site to protect them over the winter.

8. Healthy Waters Day

In June 2009 the MMRC partnered with the MVCA, Perth Stewardship Council, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and the Town of North Perth to provide an education day for students from Listowel Central Public School. Students were given the opportunity to view electro-fishing, observe aquatic invertebrates, conduct water tests and learn about erosion and runoff.

Doug Grant at Healthy Waters Day, 2009.

 9. Park Kiosk

The MMRC recently developed a display for a new information kiosk that has been built in Listowel Memorial Park. Special thanks is extended to the Listowel District Secondary School Environment Club and the Municipality of North Perth for their assistance with this project.

You Can Help

The MMRC welcomes new volunteers. There are several ways you can get involved:

• Assist with planting and upkeep work at the park naturalization project.
• If you are a rural landowner consider implementing water quality projects on your property. Contact Doug Hocking at the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority office (519 335-3557) for information on current grant programs.
• Donate to the Middle Maitland projects.

For more information about the MMRC contact Doug Grant, Chair at 519 291-9152 or any of the Committee members:

• Doug Grant, Chair
• Carl Armstrong
• Phil Beard, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority
• Julie Behrns, Deputy Mayor - Municipality of North Perth
• Russ Danbrook
• Kim Delaney
• George Gracey
• Don Hartung
• Eric Hewison
• Lloyd Karges
• Howard Mitchell
• Gary Pipe, Municipality of North Perth
• Sue Qureshi
• Evelyn Westen
• Shirley Woods
• Brian Wretham