5 Monster Land Reclamation Projects in Canada
                     5 Monster (or best) Land 
Reclamation Projects in Canada 
L and reclamation is when land that has been disturbed is returned to an equivalent 
landscape with self-sustaining native vegetation. Reclamation efforts are often directed 
at land disturbed in Canada during natural resource development, including mining and 
oil and gas operations. Most of these developments take place in forested areas, which 
makes it that much more important. By doing this, the land can be returned to a self-
sust aining ecosystem with local vegetation a nd wildlife.
Coal Mining Reclamation Project in 
Alberta 
Alberta is a province in Western 
Canada. Its landscape 
encompasses mountains, desert 
badlands, and vast coniferous 
forests. This green project uses 
municipal organic waste to help grow 
a willow crop on the reclaimed 
mining land. The willow is then used 
to create woody biomass that is in 
turn used to produce renewable 
heat, energy, and other products. 
The transition to a clean growth 
economy is one of the greatest 
challenges that face Canadian 
citizens today. Restoring mining land 
to a natural state contributes to 
growth in the economy and 
marketplace, creating jobs and 
build ing a sustainable environment.  
Notre Dame Island in Montreal 
(Quebec, Canada)
In the Saint Lawrence River, 15 
million tons of rock were excavated 
from the Montreal metro 
underground rail in 1965 to form an 
artificial island. Saint Lawrence is an 
iconic waterway supporting an 
international economy, a rich cultural 
history, and a diverse array of 
species. Reclamation and 
restoration benefits families, 
businesses, and visitors alike by 
promoting tribal cultural practices, 
enhancing natural habitat, and 
improving public access to the 
waterfront.
  
Gateway Hill
104-hectare area of reclaimed land called Gateway Hill was reclaimed in the early 
1980s and received certification in 2008. Wildlife surveys were conducted, which 
revealed the presence of several species, including snowshoe hare, marten, deer, 
squirrel, beaver, coyote, etc. Gateway hill has demonstrated a self-sustaining 
ecosystem and habitat capacity. Land reclamation has been immense, and to confirm 
the  success of a land reclamation takes time  as it a natural process.  
Mildred Lake Settling Basin
Mildred Lake Settling Basin is an embankment dam that is, by volume of construction 
material, was the largest earth structure in the world in 2001. Reclamation projects for 
the new mines include mostly reforested areas and wetlands. Wetlands currently make 
up most of the landscape, with remaining land consisting of brush and trees. It is a 
growing ecosystem; this is just the start of the wetland!  
  
Sandhill Fen Oil Sands Wetland 
Reclamation 
A 17-hectare refuge for cattails, songbirds, dragonflies, and the occasional passing 
bear. One of the oldest mining sites that are being reclaimed as wetlands. A fen 
absorbs water during heavy rains and adds relief to the parched landscape in times of 
drought. By doing this, you learn a valuable lesson about how much water is needed.