HAMILTON MARSH IS THE LARGEST BODY OF WATER IN THE FRENCH CREEK WATERSHED.

Hamilton Marsh directly contributes to the French Creek Watershed via Hamilton Creek, which feeds into French Creek. At one time Hamilton Marsh was referred to as “Little Hamilton Marsh.” “Big Hamilton Marsh” was located where Pheasant Glenn Golf Course is now. It’s possible that Hamilton Marsh could impact more than just the French Creek Watershed.

French Creek is both a fish-bearing stream and a designated community watershed. Approximately 8,000 people depend on the French Creek watershed for their drinking water. Hamilton Marsh provides seasonal storage and connects to French Creek via Hamilton Creek. For details regarding French Creek: French Creek Watershed Study or the Arrowsmith Watershed Coalition Society

Wetlands are amazing! Wetlands filter water; wetlands act as a carbon sink for airborne pollution; wetlands hold water during drought, and act as a sponge during flood conditions. "Wetlands help to reduce the levels of sediments, nutrients, and toxic chemicals in the water. Learning from natural wetlands, many communities now use biofiltration wetlands to remove urban and agricultural contaminants before they enter streams.

What are wetlands worth in terms of dollars? "The economic value of wetlands has been estimated at more than $22,000 per hectare per year for the hydrological, water quality, habitat, and other functions they provide."- excerpted from "Saving Sensitive Wetland Ecosystems" produced by Environment Canada, BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and parks, and the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund

According to these estimates the hydrological & habitat value of Hamilton Marsh is as follows:

36.7 hectares x $22,000.00 = $807,400.00 per year.