Welcome to the Sydenham
The Sydenham River, known as the Jongquakamik in Nishnaabemwin (Ojibwe), is a biological treasure located in southwestern Ontario. It is the only major watershed that lies completely in the Canadian Carolinian Life Zone and it supports an incredible variety of life, also known as biodiversity. At least 80 species of fish and 34 species of freshwater mussels are found in the Sydenham, making it one of the most species-rich watersheds in all of Canada. More than 20 species of fish, mussels, and reptiles that live in and around the Sydenham River are listed nationally or provincially as Species at Risk and include species of global conservation concern.
About the Watershed
The Sydenham watershed covers an area of 2,751 km2 and includes portions of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent, Lambton and Middlesex Counties. The watershed is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapeewak, and Attawandaron peoples who have longstanding relationships to the land and water of southwestern Ontario.
The river is divided into two main branches – the North and East Sydenham. The two branches meet in Wallaceburg forming the main Sydenham River that flows for 5km before it outlets to the Chenal Ecarte to Lake St. Clair. The Sydenham watershed is in the drainage area for Lake St. Clair and, on a larger scale, is part of the Lake Erie basin.
North Sydenham
Upstream from Wallaceburg, the North Sydenham divides into two tributaries at Wilkesport, Bear Creek and Black Creek. Bear Creek runs further north, passing through Brigden, Petrolia, and Warwick with its headwaters near Arkona. From Wilkesport, the shorter Black Creek crosses by Oil Springs to its source near Inwood.
East Sydenham
The East Branch covers a larger drainage area than the North Branch. Moving upstream from the fork in Wallaceburg, the East Sydenham River travels through Dresden, Florence, Alvinston, and Strathroy with its source waters originating from the Lucan moraine near Ilderton.
Land Use
The rich soils and relatively warm climate that support the unique plants and wildlife of Canada’s Carolinian Life Zone also support the breadbasket of Ontario. The Sydenham flows through a primarily agricultural landscape, which makes up 85% of the land use.
Compared to other regions in southern Ontario, there is relatively little urban and industrial development along the river itself. Only two communities along the Sydenham have populations of over 10,000 people – Strathroy, located at the upstream end of the East Branch, and Wallaceburg, at the bottom of the watershed. Petrolia is the largest town on the North Branch.
