It was a day of real-world learning for a Grade 7 class from Terry Fox Public School on Monday, March 30, 2026.
Teacher Mark Mitro brought his students to The Mill along Cobourg Creek — better known locally as Pratt’s Pond at the corner of Elgin and Ontario streets — to build on their in-class science studies with a firsthand look at the ecosystem.
“It’s fun and it gets the kids outside showing the ecosystem that’s around that we can walk to,” said Mitro.
The trip focused on the annual fish lift, a long-running local effort that helps rainbow trout move upstream to spawn.
A 50-Year Passion for Conservation
Fred Ball, a volunteer with the fish lift for nearly five decades, shared his knowledge with the students, explaining how the process boosts fish survival and strengthens the local population.
“It increases the number of fish that go back to Lake Ontario,” said Ball. “That extra 15 or 20 miles of creek to spawn in brings back bigger, healthier rainbow.”
Once the fish return to the lake, he added, they’re no longer easy prey.
“They are big enough to survive and come back and spawn again.”
Ball reflected on how much things have changed over the years.
“When I fished here with my father, it was all brown trout. Now there is all rainbow trout. It’s amazing how much the population has improved.”
Students Get a First Look
With guidance from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, volunteers have helped significantly increase fish numbers in the creek each year.
For Ball, having students visit the site was a first — and a welcome one.
Community Invited to Take Part
Volunteers are once again invited to participate in the annual fish lift on April 11 at 9 a.m.
Participants are encouraged to bring chest waders and a dip net, but for those without equipment, simply coming out to watch is part of the experience.
“It may be the first time they’ve seen a rainbow trout or even handled one,” he said. “When it’s right here in your backyard, come on out and have some fun with it.”
Each year, approximately 200 rainbow trout are lifted over the dam — a small but important effort helping sustain a thriving local ecosystem.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
