Fox Creek

The physical habitat for the lower reaches of Fox Creek are of relatively poor quality because of their sand and silt bottoms. Water quality in this area is also poor due to the high level of development and urbanization. A golf course upstream of the sampling location also contributes a high level of runoff into the creek. There are some small areas where the riparian zone is in good condition, such as along the Dieppe Rotary Nature Park. However, such small areas are not able to offset the effects of having much of the watershed area developed and land converted to impervious surface. Like all urban streams, Fox Creek displays diminished water quality due to the land use surrounding it.

The headwaters of this system drain part of Dieppe’s industrial sector. Approximately 200-300 metres of the brook are piped in this area. Bank erosion is also of concern for certain parts of the creek. For example, severe bank erosion behind Fishermen’s Paradise off Champlain Street is, in our opinion, a major contributor to the sand and silt found in the streambed at/near this location. The two culverts that cross underneath Champlain Street have been badly damaged. The cause of this damage is unknown, but the culverts on the downstream site of Champlain Street cause serious obstacles to fish passage. The middle and lower reaches of Fox Creek still support abundant wildlife like deer and fox populations.