New funds will help rebuild lost habitat in growing Mississauga neighbourhood

A major restoration project is coming to one of Mississauga’s most urbanized watersheds after years of development have dramatically reduced the area’s natural forest cover.

The City of Mississauga says forest cover in the Cooksville Creek watershed has fallen to just 2.2 per cent, or about 79.1 hectares, limiting the watershed’s ability to manage stormwater, reduce flooding risks and support local wildlife.

Now, the city is using more than $450,000 in federal funding to help restore wetlands and forest habitat at Iggy Kaneff Park, in the Cooksville community.

Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said restoring the watershed will help the city prepare for future climate challenges.

“This federal investment is a meaningful step toward protecting and restoring one of Mississauga’s most important natural watersheds,” Parrish said. “By strengthening the Cooksville Creek watershed and enhancing Iggy Kaneff Park, we’re improving climate resilience, reducing flood risk and creating healthier, more enjoyable green spaces for our community.”

The city says the restoration will include planting 1,050 trees, 6,000 shrubs and 2,000 wetland plants.

The new vegetation will help restore habitat while providing natural stormwater protection by allowing the landscape to absorb and store more water during heavy rainfall and snowmelt.

The Cooksville Creek watershed has faced increasing pressure as Mississauga has grown into one of Canada’s most densely populated cities. As neighbourhoods have become more urbanized, natural areas that once helped regulate water flow and provide habitat have been reduced.

The restoration work is intended to rebuild some of those lost environmental protections while improving green space for residents.

“Mississauga is a very densely urbanized metropolitan area, meaning our green spaces and park spaces are important for the beauty and resilience of the community,” said Charles Sousa, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Lakeshore, on behalf of federal Minister of Housing and Infrastructure Gregor Robertson. “Places like the Iggy Kaneff Park offer natural oases that reduce flooding and offer outdoor recreation.”

The project comes as the city continues a broader redevelopment of Cooksville Park and Iggy Kaneff Park to address a shortage of parkland in the growing community.

The city says the larger park redevelopment will introduce new amenities, improve accessibility, replace aging infrastructure and enhance flood resiliency while protecting natural areas along the Cooksville Creek corridor.

The restoration work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2028.