There’s more than meets the eye at the water’s edge. Starting on March 22 (World Water Day), Credit Valley Conservation and the Region of Peel present Morphology, an art exhibit showcasing a constructed coastal wetland through a photographer’s lens. The free exhibit will be on display for public viewing from March 22 to 28 in the Great Hall at the Mississauga Civic Centre, 300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga. A special meet-and-greet with the artists takes place on March 22 from 7-9 p.m.

The project challenged eleven photographers to celebrate the birth of a wetland and connect people with the lake through their unique creative vision. The local Mississauga artists gave new life to habitat structures built four metres below the level of Lake Ontario, before they will be submerged and hidden from view.

“I was inspired by the opportunity to capture and explore a part of the restoration process that’s often overlooked,” said Stephen Uhraney, one of the Morphology photographers. “I’m honored to be a part of a project that serves value to the community and shows beauty in the unexpected.”

The habitat structures formed an alien-like environment that allowed the evolving wetlands to be photographed and appreciated in a new way. Morphology refers to change in shape over time. The exhibit explores this change through creative expression as the new wetland comes to life.

Morphology offers a glimpse into the progress of the Lakeview Waterfront Connection - a project that will result in a beautiful conservation area on the waterfront in Mississauga’s Lakeview neighbourhood. This will be the first complete ecosystem constructed on Lake Ontario in the GTA. The 26-hectare (64 acres or 48 football fields) conservation area will connect 9.5 kilometres of shoreline for the public, become a new home for wildlife and a green haven in the heart of Mississauga.

Morphology was the vision of the late Jim Tovey, Peel Regional Councillor for Mississauga's Ward 1. His goal was to showcase the importance of restoring coastal wetlands in urban areas such as the GTA. He saw artistic expression as a way for residents to form an emotional connection with the environment. Tovey was a staunch advocate for change along the waterfront and led the Lakeview Waterfront Connection project since its beginning.

The exhibit was previewed to a private audience on January 14 at Mississauga’s Lakeview Water Treatment Plant - one of the world’s most advanced water treatment facilities.

“It’s through projects like this that people see the profound relationship between the land, water and people that live here,” said Her Honour the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, during her remarks at the January 14 event. “I continue to appreciate the power art has to help us understand the world around us.”

Morphology is generously supported by Mother Parkers, Edenshaw and On The Move Catering.

Credit Valley Conservation and the Region of Peel are presenting Morphology in partnership with City of Mississauga, Toronto Region Conservation, Mississauga’s Ward 1 Office and Greatness - the Great Lakes Project.

Learn more about the transformation at http://lakeviewwaterfrontconnection.ca.

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River watershed. That watershed is the area of land defined by where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. It inspires a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.