Addison Hall Wetland Design and Monitoring
Aurora, Ontario
Project Overview
Dougan Ecology has played a key role in supporting ecological sustainability at the Addison Hall Business Park development in Aurora, Ontario. Initially brought on to complete an Environmental Impact Study (EIS), our team established the foundation for a science-driven approach to responsible development.
Following the EIS, we developed a comprehensive Environmental Monitoring Plan, which led to the launch of a multi-year vegetation and wildlife monitoring program.
A central component of this project is the creation of six wetlands, designed by Dougan Ecology as part of a wetland compensation strategy. These wetlands were carefully engineered to replicate and replace isolated wetland features that historically existed within the surrounding agricultural landscape.
Our Natural Heritage monitoring program assesses the development and ecological function of these sites through a suite of targeted surveys, including Nocturnal Amphibian Call Surveys, Breeding Bird Surveys, dragonfly and damselfly monitoring, Ecological Land Classification (ELC), botanical inventories, and detailed photo monitoring.
This ongoing work highlights Dougan Ecology’s expertise in ecological design, restoration, and long-term environmental monitoring—ensuring that natural heritage values are protected and enhanced within developing landscapes.
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Natural Heritage Inventory -
Habitat Design and Restoration -
Assessment and Monitoring
Project Highlights
This long-term monitoring project has supported the successful establishment of six compensation wetlands, thoughtfully designed to replace those lost to development. By strategically locating the new wetlands adjacent to existing woodlands and conducting detailed ecological surveys over multiple seasons, Dougan Ecology demonstrated the effectiveness of intentional, ecologically grounded design.
The ongoing monitoring program continues to provide valuable insights into how constructed wetlands mature and function over time, consistently confirming the project’s success in fostering diverse and resilient plant and wildlife communities.
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Designed six compensation wetlands to restore the function of isolated wetlands lost to development
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Conducted multi-year natural heritage monitoring to assess wetland establishment and habitat use
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Enhanced wetland function by integrating with adjacent woodland habitats
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Conducted botanical assessments, ELC, and photo monitoring to track ecological changes over time
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Completed multi-year breeding bird, amphibian, and odonate surveys
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Used rooftop runoff to sustain wetland water levels and reduce pressure on stormwater infrastructure
Our Approach
Our approach is rooted in long-term ecological stewardship, combining thoughtful design, rigorous monitoring, and adaptive management. Through multi-year monitoring, we ensure that ecological compensation efforts achieve measurable, meaningful outcomes. By integrating impact assessment, design, and ongoing monitoring, we support the creation of functional wetland ecosystems that promote biodiversity, enhance habitat quality, and inform precise, science-based restoration management—including for Species at Risk.
