“Wetlands help to reduce the level of sediments, nutrients and toxic chemicals in the water.  Learning from natural wetlands, many communities now use biofiltration wetlands to remove urban and agricultural contaminants before they enter streams.

(In the year 2000) The economic value of wetlands  has been estimated at more than $22,000 per hectare per year for the hydrological, water quality, habitat and other functions they provide and estuaries are valued at $34,000 per hectare per year.”

*From brochure now out of print “Saving Wetland Sensitive Ecosystems” sponsored by Environment Canada, Province of BC Ministry of Environment, and the Habitat Conservation Trust Fund.

Therefore Hamilton Marsh at 36 ha in size could have wetland values of more than $792,000 per year in services.

Here is an excellent article from the Tyee:  New Model Helps Cities Value Natural Assets, Like Wetlands, as infrastructure.

Hamilton Marsh is the largest body of water in the French Creek Watershed.  Read the French Creek Watershed Study.

It also contributes to the Qualicum Beach watershed and has been linked to the Grandon Creek Watershed.