Geomorphologic and Ecological Monitoring Data in Urban Watersheds at Ganateskiagon Creek (Durham), Wilket Creek (York), Morningside Creek (Scarborough) in Ontario

Urban stream syndrome describes the increased concentrations of nutrients and contaminants, modified channel morphology and stability, flashy hydrographs, and decreases in biodiversity in urban, lotic streams, because of increases in impermeable surfaces, intensive development, and poor storm water management. Although the hydrologic changes that result from urbanization have been extensively described, the effects of this hydrologic modification on other river processes is poorly understood. The purpose of this project is to understand the consequences of watershed urbanization on geomorphological and ecological processes of rivers through direct comparison of similar rivers with different watershed land-use scenarios. In particular, this project focuses on bedload sediment transport, water quality, and benthic macroinvertebrates. The aim is to use this research to help inform policies on restoration and conservation of urban rivers and aquatic ecosystems.Funding for this data collection was provided by an NSERC Strategic Grant (STPGP 463321 14, Assessing and restoringthe resilience of urban stream networks). This data collected will also be used to support the project titled 'Linking Stream Network Process Models to Robust Data Management Systems for the Purpose of Land-Use Decision Support', which is funded under the Global Water Futures Program funded by Canada First Research Excellence Fund.