Exploring Urbanization-induced Wetland Loss Within the Greater Toronto Area From 2005 to 2015

The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) located in Ontario, Canada, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in North America. Rapid urbanization within the GTA leads to increased imperviousness and surface runoff, resulting in wetland loss. Wetland cover and land cover data from the Southern Ontario Land Resource Information System was analyzed to characterize wetland loss to built-up areas and land conversions between 2005 and 2015 to evaluate the extent of urbanization-induced wetland loss. Spatial analysis determined a significant increase in the number of wetlands lost from 2005-2011 compared to 2011-2015; losses that were attributed to increased urban expansions within the GTA. Non-wetland conversions such as agricultural and impervious built-up uses to support urban expansions had a significant role in wetland loss. Wetland conservation policies must be re-evaluated to alleviate gaps in policy practice to focus on minimizing wetland loss.