It’s been a long time since Mohawk Lake was safe for swimming.
As the connection between industrial lands in south Brantford and the Grand River, it’s been taking in runoff from those industrial lands for more than 150 years.
That flow has slowed in recent years – and as the city has worked to redevelop the Greenwich-Mohawk brownfield, it’s now looking to do the same with the 14-acre lake.
Friday, Brant MP Phil McColeman announced that the federal government would put $2 million toward that redevelopment.
“The heritage of this lake, and what it means in terms of being part of the soul of this community, can’t be overstated,” McColeman told CTV News.
“We’re bringing back the past … but we’re making a much better future for the generations to come.”
Tests conducted on the lake show that the contamination isn’t as bad as some feared, Mayor Chris Friel said, but still significant enough that significant money will have to be spent on cleanup.
“If we can get ($2 million) from the province, then we’ll come in with ($2 million),” he said.
“That’ll be the biggest piece of how we start.”
Swimming in the lake comfortably is still “generations” away, Friel said – but activities like kayaking, canoeing and even fishing are already taking place.
Six Nations Chief Ava Hill, also on hand at Friday’s announcement, said she hoped the redeveloped lake would include cultural and historical aspects.
“It’s so important that people understand our history,” she said.
“If we can use this lake to try and get this history out to people … then they can appreciate it better.”
