Wetlands (marshes, ponds, bogs, and flood plains) act as natural filters and biodiversity reservoirs. They retain water, reduce flooding, improve water quality, and harbour a wide variety of animal and plant species.

Degradation and/or destruction of wetlands and aquatic environments

Within the watershed, the majority of wetlands are located in the south, where development pressure is strongest. For several decades, many of these environments have been drained, filled, or fragmented, resulting in a significant reduction in their surface area and ecological functions. This degradation may manifest in particular through:

  • A reduction in the natural purification capacity of the water
  • Loss of habitats for amphibians, birds, and fish
  • Alteration of flood regulation and the maintenance of low flows

Did you know?

More than 80% of the wetlands located in urbanized areas have disappeared since the beginning of the 20th century.

Location within the territory

In the Rivière du Nord Integrated Water Management Zone (ZGIE), there are 16 169 wetlands, 3 354 lakes, and 5 258 kilometres of watercourses. It is estimated that approximately 11% of the wetlands on the territory are protected, while only 1% of the lakes and 1.7% of the watercourses in the ZGIE are located in protected areas.

Consult the interactive portrait and browse through the different layers of the Physical Characteristics (Caractéristiques physiques) tab. Select the options to view the wetlands (milieux humides), lakes (lacs), and watercourses (cours d’eau) in the watershed.

Main causes

The causes of wetlands and aquatic environments degradation or destruction are multiple and interconnected with other problems such as poor water quality, flooding, and bank erosion.

Construction, drainage, and soil impermeabilization reduce infiltration and disrupt the water balance

Drainage and cultivation alter natural flow patterns and reduce floodplains

Off-trail traffic, work carried out during wet periods, soil compaction, and sedimentation

Recreational tourism developments modify the natural banks and the waterfront landscape

Compromise biodiversity and ecological functions, often spread by boats

Population growth increase the demand for infrastructure and the impact on the environment

Climate change

Climate change could result in more significant spring floods, leading to more frequent flooding in the downstream areas of the ZGIE, as well as more pronounced low flow periods during the summer. These variations could disrupt the water regime of wetlands and aquatic environments, in interaction with several other issues in the territory.

Consequences 

Environmental

  • Loss of ecosystem functions
  • Increase in poor water quality
  • Accelerated aging of water bodies

Social

  • Reduced landscape quality
  • Loss of ecosystem services
  • Risks to human health, drinking water supply, and public safety

Economic

  • Increased costs related to stormwater management and flood damage
  • Reduced recreational tourism potential
  • Decreased waterfront property values

Prioritized issues

The degradation and destruction of wetlands and aquatic environments is among the six priority problems identified in the 2024-2034 Water Master Plan. For more information, consult the diagnostic sheets. These present the portrait and diagnosis of the issues related to water resources in our territory.

Overconsumption of water resources

Poor water quality

Competing water uses

Degradation and/or destruction of wetlands and aquatic environments

Shoreline erosion

Flooding in at-risk areas

Learn more about the ZGIE du Nord, its strategic planning, and the actions planned to ensure sustainable water management.

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An innovative solution

To meet the needs of water stakeholders, the OBV de la rivière du Nord has developed VigieNord, a citizen science platform that makes it easy to report and geolocate water-related issues. The tool makes a tangible contribution to:

Promote better sharing of field observations among water stakeholders

Identify opportunities for action in the region