Share Is there any consideration of a stormwater pond at the confluence of Sandrock Creek and Henry Sturm Creek? on Facebook
Share Is there any consideration of a stormwater pond at the confluence of Sandrock Creek and Henry Sturm Creek? on Linkedin
Email Is there any consideration of a stormwater pond at the confluence of Sandrock Creek and Henry Sturm Creek? link
Is there any consideration of a stormwater pond at the confluence of Sandrock Creek and Henry Sturm Creek?
JS_84
asked
almost 2 years ago
The Integrated Stormwater Management Master Plan was finished in 2016. It studied locations for new stormwater facilities. It did not find a good location at Sandrock Creek and Henry Sturm Creek. The main factors to identify a good location were:
- Available space was more than 1 hectare;
- Land was not privately owned;
- The storm sewer was more than 450mm in diameter;
- The catchment area was large enough;
- The site was not too steep;
- The site was not a woodland or wetland; and
- It was possible to meet the City's water quality criteria.
Share What data is being used to inform the need for a stormwater pond at this specific location? on Facebook
Share What data is being used to inform the need for a stormwater pond at this specific location? on Linkedin
Email What data is being used to inform the need for a stormwater pond at this specific location? link
What data is being used to inform the need for a stormwater pond at this specific location?
JS_84
asked
almost 2 years ago
The 2016 Integrated Stormwater Management Master Plan studied stormwater management facilities in Kitchener. This study used information from:
- Floodplain mapping,
- Land use mapping,
- Flooding complaints,
- Computer models, and
- Site visits.
Many neighbourhoods were built before modern stormwater management guidelines. These areas have a higher risk of flooding, erosion, and poor water quality in the creek. The 2016 Master Plan looked for places where a new facility was workable. Meadowlane Park is one of these locations.
The main environmental goals are quality and quantity control. About 178 hectares of residential area drain into Sandrock Creek at Meadowlane Park. All this water is currently untreated. Pollutants such as road salt, oils and garbage run into the creek. We are also exploring ways to reduce future flood risks from climate change. A stormwater management facility can help us with both.
Share How can the public be involved with the complete parameters and design criteria for any
changes to the park- i.e. – storm water pond etc.
Flooding
Water quality
Etc.
There are many interactions of questions and answers based on knowing the details related to
these issues.
For example, it has been stated that this project would improve;
-THE ABILITY TO REDUCE POSSIBLE FUTURE FLOODING
With this in mind, what is and where is the current infrastructure limitations.
-is it storm sewers before water enters the existing creek, is it Sandrock Creek adjacent to the
park, is it Sandrock creek downstream from the park, etc.
What evidence is there to existing limitations and with the worst rains in the past years was
there flooding or what percentage of capacity was reached. What are the improvement goals?
Depending on answers to the above one could formulate ideas for alternative fixes, such as is
there a possibility to shed some flow across where the new development will drain and
ultimately down the waterway in Ottawa Street, etc.
It has also been stated the water quality will be improved.
If its to be improved we should now have records of existing contaminates, amounts, flow rates
by season and weeks of the year.
SALT REDUCTION -If salt is to be removed, what are the current levels and flows. I would think
the worst contamination would be in the winter months and early spring. Will the improvement
methods actually reduce the worst contamination periods or mainly reduce smaller volumes of
salt contamination through the warmer weather. Will the City get its money worth on these
initiatives?
OTHER CONTAMINANTS – Similar to salt above we should know what is needed to be
improved, by how much and when during each segment of the year. If this information is
available, please prepare to share. Possibly the sharing of these details will eliminate many
current questions that the information given so far has failed to do.
Where does this contamination come from, possibly solving this at the source is possible.
Our City Councilor stated the trails are being washed out all the time. I walk most of the local
trails and see very little evidence of this problem In any case how would a pond do anything to
resolve washed out trails. Maybe some of the wash out is creating water contamination that
can be corrected by improved drainage and better crush and run topping. on Facebook
Share How can the public be involved with the complete parameters and design criteria for any
changes to the park- i.e. – storm water pond etc.
Flooding
Water quality
Etc.
There are many interactions of questions and answers based on knowing the details related to
these issues.
For example, it has been stated that this project would improve;
-THE ABILITY TO REDUCE POSSIBLE FUTURE FLOODING
With this in mind, what is and where is the current infrastructure limitations.
-is it storm sewers before water enters the existing creek, is it Sandrock Creek adjacent to the
park, is it Sandrock creek downstream from the park, etc.
What evidence is there to existing limitations and with the worst rains in the past years was
there flooding or what percentage of capacity was reached. What are the improvement goals?
Depending on answers to the above one could formulate ideas for alternative fixes, such as is
there a possibility to shed some flow across where the new development will drain and
ultimately down the waterway in Ottawa Street, etc.
It has also been stated the water quality will be improved.
If its to be improved we should now have records of existing contaminates, amounts, flow rates
by season and weeks of the year.
SALT REDUCTION -If salt is to be removed, what are the current levels and flows. I would think
the worst contamination would be in the winter months and early spring. Will the improvement
methods actually reduce the worst contamination periods or mainly reduce smaller volumes of
salt contamination through the warmer weather. Will the City get its money worth on these
initiatives?
OTHER CONTAMINANTS – Similar to salt above we should know what is needed to be
improved, by how much and when during each segment of the year. If this information is
available, please prepare to share. Possibly the sharing of these details will eliminate many
current questions that the information given so far has failed to do.
Where does this contamination come from, possibly solving this at the source is possible.
Our City Councilor stated the trails are being washed out all the time. I walk most of the local
trails and see very little evidence of this problem In any case how would a pond do anything to
resolve washed out trails. Maybe some of the wash out is creating water contamination that
can be corrected by improved drainage and better crush and run topping. on Linkedin
Email How can the public be involved with the complete parameters and design criteria for any
changes to the park- i.e. – storm water pond etc.
Flooding
Water quality
Etc.
There are many interactions of questions and answers based on knowing the details related to
these issues.
For example, it has been stated that this project would improve;
-THE ABILITY TO REDUCE POSSIBLE FUTURE FLOODING
With this in mind, what is and where is the current infrastructure limitations.
-is it storm sewers before water enters the existing creek, is it Sandrock Creek adjacent to the
park, is it Sandrock creek downstream from the park, etc.
What evidence is there to existing limitations and with the worst rains in the past years was
there flooding or what percentage of capacity was reached. What are the improvement goals?
Depending on answers to the above one could formulate ideas for alternative fixes, such as is
there a possibility to shed some flow across where the new development will drain and
ultimately down the waterway in Ottawa Street, etc.
It has also been stated the water quality will be improved.
If its to be improved we should now have records of existing contaminates, amounts, flow rates
by season and weeks of the year.
SALT REDUCTION -If salt is to be removed, what are the current levels and flows. I would think
the worst contamination would be in the winter months and early spring. Will the improvement
methods actually reduce the worst contamination periods or mainly reduce smaller volumes of
salt contamination through the warmer weather. Will the City get its money worth on these
initiatives?
OTHER CONTAMINANTS – Similar to salt above we should know what is needed to be
improved, by how much and when during each segment of the year. If this information is
available, please prepare to share. Possibly the sharing of these details will eliminate many
current questions that the information given so far has failed to do.
Where does this contamination come from, possibly solving this at the source is possible.
Our City Councilor stated the trails are being washed out all the time. I walk most of the local
trails and see very little evidence of this problem In any case how would a pond do anything to
resolve washed out trails. Maybe some of the wash out is creating water contamination that
can be corrected by improved drainage and better crush and run topping. link
How can the public be involved with the complete parameters and design criteria for any
changes to the park- i.e. – storm water pond etc.
Flooding
Water quality
Etc.
There are many interactions of questions and answers based on knowing the details related to
these issues.
For example, it has been stated that this project would improve;
-THE ABILITY TO REDUCE POSSIBLE FUTURE FLOODING
With this in mind, what is and where is the current infrastructure limitations.
-is it storm sewers before water enters the existing creek, is it Sandrock Creek adjacent to the
park, is it Sandrock creek downstream from the park, etc.
What evidence is there to existing limitations and with the worst rains in the past years was
there flooding or what percentage of capacity was reached. What are the improvement goals?
Depending on answers to the above one could formulate ideas for alternative fixes, such as is
there a possibility to shed some flow across where the new development will drain and
ultimately down the waterway in Ottawa Street, etc.
It has also been stated the water quality will be improved.
If its to be improved we should now have records of existing contaminates, amounts, flow rates
by season and weeks of the year.
SALT REDUCTION -If salt is to be removed, what are the current levels and flows. I would think
the worst contamination would be in the winter months and early spring. Will the improvement
methods actually reduce the worst contamination periods or mainly reduce smaller volumes of
salt contamination through the warmer weather. Will the City get its money worth on these
initiatives?
OTHER CONTAMINANTS – Similar to salt above we should know what is needed to be
improved, by how much and when during each segment of the year. If this information is
available, please prepare to share. Possibly the sharing of these details will eliminate many
current questions that the information given so far has failed to do.
Where does this contamination come from, possibly solving this at the source is possible.
Our City Councilor stated the trails are being washed out all the time. I walk most of the local
trails and see very little evidence of this problem In any case how would a pond do anything to
resolve washed out trails. Maybe some of the wash out is creating water contamination that
can be corrected by improved drainage and better crush and run topping.
B^3
asked
almost 2 years ago
Public Involvement
We shared the public's concerns with the engineering consultants to inform their preliminary designs. Given the concerns, we asked the engineering consultants to create at least one preliminary concept that leaves the hill in place. Next, we will hold three public open houses through the design process. At the open houses the public will be able to first provide feedback on the preliminary design concepts and then provide feedback on the design.
The Ability to Reduce Possible Future Flooding
The City completed a Stormwater Management Master Plan in 2016. This plan included digital modelling of the City’s stormwater system to find issues. This plan identified ways to improve water quality and quantity control (i.e. flood control) all over the City. A full summary of the issues and solutions can be found in this Plan and is available upon request (https://www.kitchener.ca/en/strategic-plans-and-projects/stormwater-master-plan.aspx).
The main goal for the proposed pond was to provide water quality control for the contributing catchment area. Opportunities to provide flood control in Meadowlane Park would be an added benefit.
The stormwater pond at the new Ottawa Street development will treat stormwater from that development. This pond will not have the capacity to treat runoff from the Meadowlane Park catchment.
The City of Kitchener has a stormwater monitoring program. Water quality is analyzed at various points throughout the City, including Sandrock Creek. Please see our website for more information about the program: https://www.kitchenerutilities.ca/en/services/stormwater.aspx.
Salt Reduction
Salt removal from stormwater runoff is only possible through very expensive desalinization processes. It is not possible through standard stormwater ponds. This is why the City of Kitchener implements a Salt Management Plan and reduces salt application.
Other Contaminants
Stormwater ponds work by several mechanisms. The main function is to allow suspended solids to settle at the bottom of the pond. Suspended solids from stormwater runoff contain particle-bound contaminants that impact water quality. The sediments settle to the bottom of the pond and stay until the City cleans it out.
The contaminants that would be removed by the pond are called "non-point source pollutants." It is not possible to find one or two sources of the pollutants and clean them up. This is because the pollutants come from too many sources, like cars, driveways, lawns, etc.
Trail washouts can occur for many reasons, so we can only guess at the cause. A stormwater facility would address a variety of drainage issues in the park. In future intense storms, it would help reduce high flows in the creek which may help protect trails.
Share Future flooding was one issue that was stated at the drop-in day. What data and information is there of the actual issue / potential issue. (Up-stream, down-stream?
The creek at Meadowlane Park has never had an issue with flooding above current drainage course.
on Facebook
Share Future flooding was one issue that was stated at the drop-in day. What data and information is there of the actual issue / potential issue. (Up-stream, down-stream?
The creek at Meadowlane Park has never had an issue with flooding above current drainage course.
on Linkedin
Email Future flooding was one issue that was stated at the drop-in day. What data and information is there of the actual issue / potential issue. (Up-stream, down-stream?
The creek at Meadowlane Park has never had an issue with flooding above current drainage course.
link
Future flooding was one issue that was stated at the drop-in day. What data and information is there of the actual issue / potential issue. (Up-stream, down-stream?
The creek at Meadowlane Park has never had an issue with flooding above current drainage course.
kksmoky^2
asked
almost 2 years ago
A digital model simulated Kitchener's creeks and storm sewers in 2016 and 2020. These studies suggested solutions to the worst flooding areas. Meadowlane Park was not identified as a flooding area, but it was observed downstream of the park.
The primary purpose of a pond in Meadowlane Park would be to improve water quality. A pond in Meadowlane Park could help reduce flooding downstream. These flood reductions are considered a secondary benefit.
Share I believe that it was stated that the pond would increase the cleanliness of the water.
How would the cleaning of contaminates of the water be done and if by plants, would the plants that actually do this job be cleaning in the high peak season of containments like salt?
Are the plants going to be mostly active during summer season, where the pollutants and containments are low? Then the plants would be cleaning actual very little out of the overall water. Data is needed over an entire year, month by month and week by week to determine the containments / chemicals in the water at the location.
on Facebook
Share I believe that it was stated that the pond would increase the cleanliness of the water.
How would the cleaning of contaminates of the water be done and if by plants, would the plants that actually do this job be cleaning in the high peak season of containments like salt?
Are the plants going to be mostly active during summer season, where the pollutants and containments are low? Then the plants would be cleaning actual very little out of the overall water. Data is needed over an entire year, month by month and week by week to determine the containments / chemicals in the water at the location.
on Linkedin
Email I believe that it was stated that the pond would increase the cleanliness of the water.
How would the cleaning of contaminates of the water be done and if by plants, would the plants that actually do this job be cleaning in the high peak season of containments like salt?
Are the plants going to be mostly active during summer season, where the pollutants and containments are low? Then the plants would be cleaning actual very little out of the overall water. Data is needed over an entire year, month by month and week by week to determine the containments / chemicals in the water at the location.
link
I believe that it was stated that the pond would increase the cleanliness of the water.
How would the cleaning of contaminates of the water be done and if by plants, would the plants that actually do this job be cleaning in the high peak season of containments like salt?
Are the plants going to be mostly active during summer season, where the pollutants and containments are low? Then the plants would be cleaning actual very little out of the overall water. Data is needed over an entire year, month by month and week by week to determine the containments / chemicals in the water at the location.
kksmoky^2
asked
almost 2 years ago
Stormwater ponds work by several mechanisms. The main function is to allow suspended solids to settle at the bottom of the pond. Suspended solids from stormwater runoff contain particle-bound contaminants that impact water quality. These contaminants settle to the bottom of the pond until the City cleans it out.
A secondary cleaning process is from the plants. They can act to "polish" the water quality after the removal of the suspended solids. Plantings can help improve water quality by removing particle-bound and dissolved contaminants. The plants are most active during the summer months because summer thunderstorms carry a lot of contaminants to the pond. The plants will help to improve water quality.
At the January pop-up events in the park we included salt in the list of pollutants that a stormwater facility will filter out. Afterwards, the team at the pop-up learned from other City staff that salt removal from stormwater runoff is only possible through very expensive desalinization processes. It is not possible through standard stormwater ponds. This is why the City of Kitchener implements a Salt Management Plan and reduces salt application.
We apologize for the confusion this caused.
The City of Kitchener has a stormwater monitoring program. Water quality is analyzed at various points throughout the City.
Check out the Region of Waterloo’s Salt Management page: https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/en/living-here/salt-management.aspx for tips on keeping salt out of creeks and groundwater.
Share As each member of the committee behind this project, did you grow up with green space that was open and there to make memories? If yes, please think about what this project is taking away for future generations of kids and families in this community! Making this park into one big pond that is NOT USABLE is not real green space. If this project goes through, please explain how this park will be usable for the community members? If there are just paths left, that seems like a massive decrease in functionality of this green space area. The park today has many functions and is used in so many different ways. on Facebook
Share As each member of the committee behind this project, did you grow up with green space that was open and there to make memories? If yes, please think about what this project is taking away for future generations of kids and families in this community! Making this park into one big pond that is NOT USABLE is not real green space. If this project goes through, please explain how this park will be usable for the community members? If there are just paths left, that seems like a massive decrease in functionality of this green space area. The park today has many functions and is used in so many different ways. on Linkedin
Email As each member of the committee behind this project, did you grow up with green space that was open and there to make memories? If yes, please think about what this project is taking away for future generations of kids and families in this community! Making this park into one big pond that is NOT USABLE is not real green space. If this project goes through, please explain how this park will be usable for the community members? If there are just paths left, that seems like a massive decrease in functionality of this green space area. The park today has many functions and is used in so many different ways. link
As each member of the committee behind this project, did you grow up with green space that was open and there to make memories? If yes, please think about what this project is taking away for future generations of kids and families in this community! Making this park into one big pond that is NOT USABLE is not real green space. If this project goes through, please explain how this park will be usable for the community members? If there are just paths left, that seems like a massive decrease in functionality of this green space area. The park today has many functions and is used in so many different ways.
JS_84
asked
almost 2 years ago
We hear you on the importance of active park space. The design of the green space in the park will be in consultation with the community. We can include options like trails, lookouts, hill(s), and pollinator patches. We want to hear your ideas. The community will have many chances to provide input at different stages of this project. The next chance to provide ideas and feedback will be at an indoor open house where we will share early design concepts.
Share Can a majority of the potential runoff be directed to the new development on Ottawa St. W pond? Large pipes like 25 in or larger would There is already a pond in this newer location of houses. on Facebook
Share Can a majority of the potential runoff be directed to the new development on Ottawa St. W pond? Large pipes like 25 in or larger would There is already a pond in this newer location of houses. on Linkedin
Email Can a majority of the potential runoff be directed to the new development on Ottawa St. W pond? Large pipes like 25 in or larger would There is already a pond in this newer location of houses. link
Can a majority of the potential runoff be directed to the new development on Ottawa St. W pond? Large pipes like 25 in or larger would There is already a pond in this newer location of houses.
kksmoky^2
asked
almost 2 years ago
The pond in the new development on Ottawa Street is designed for the development itself. This pond would not be able to treat stormwater from an additional area of 178 hectares.
There are also a few other technical factors that would not make this possible. Please contact the project manager for more information.
Share If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be smaller (30% of the park) or incorporate part of a pond underground? on Facebook
Share If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be smaller (30% of the park) or incorporate part of a pond underground? on Linkedin
Email If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be smaller (30% of the park) or incorporate part of a pond underground? link
If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be smaller (30% of the park) or incorporate part of a pond underground?
kksmoky^2
asked
almost 2 years ago
We are investigating all options. If, after community consultation, we find that a pond is the best solution, size matters.
Because of the large size of the catchment area, a small pond cannot achieve the necessary environmental benefits:
- Improving water quality
- Reducing erosion downstream
- Mitigating flood risk
The Provincial design standard is to remove 80% of total suspended solids, and if the pond is smaller, it will not be able to achieve this standard.
Please see the previous response about underground facilities: https://www.engagewr.ca/meadowlane-pond?tool=qanda#q395845
Share If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be underground? This would be a good compromise, even though it would be more money. The city has received a large sum of money for this project and others in KW area and I am worried the City of Kitchener is seeing we have money, let’s go and spend it before someone takes it away, even though this might not be a good solution to the possible problems. More data is needed. on Facebook
Share If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be underground? This would be a good compromise, even though it would be more money. The city has received a large sum of money for this project and others in KW area and I am worried the City of Kitchener is seeing we have money, let’s go and spend it before someone takes it away, even though this might not be a good solution to the possible problems. More data is needed. on Linkedin
Email If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be underground? This would be a good compromise, even though it would be more money. The city has received a large sum of money for this project and others in KW area and I am worried the City of Kitchener is seeing we have money, let’s go and spend it before someone takes it away, even though this might not be a good solution to the possible problems. More data is needed. link
If the city insists on making a pond in this location, why can it not be underground? This would be a good compromise, even though it would be more money. The city has received a large sum of money for this project and others in KW area and I am worried the City of Kitchener is seeing we have money, let’s go and spend it before someone takes it away, even though this might not be a good solution to the possible problems. More data is needed.
kksmoky^2
asked
almost 2 years ago
The 2016 Stormwater Management Master Plan did not propose an underground component due to costs. Our new approach, in response to public feedback, is to consider all options.
Share When Meadowlane Park is to be discussed in council will the community be given notification? And through what avenue(s) would this be done? on Facebook
Share When Meadowlane Park is to be discussed in council will the community be given notification? And through what avenue(s) would this be done? on Linkedin
Email When Meadowlane Park is to be discussed in council will the community be given notification? And through what avenue(s) would this be done? link
When Meadowlane Park is to be discussed in council will the community be given notification? And through what avenue(s) would this be done?
kksmoky^2
asked
almost 2 years ago
The 2016 Stormwater Management Master Plan included the recommendation for a new pond in Meadowlane Park. This Plan was presented to Council at that time and was approved. We do not plan to present it again, but the Ward Councillor is receiving ongoing updates on this project. Community feedback from public open houses will also be shared with the Councillor.
Final design consultation
2023 What We Heard Report (1 MB) (pdf)
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada. For more information about the City of Kitchener's partnership with the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, visit kitchener.ca/Stormwater
Our partner Reep Green Solutions can help you beautify your yard while reducing runoff to Sandrock Creek. Find out if you qualify for a free, on-site consultation with a landscape designer. Visit Rain Smart Neighbourhoods reepgreen.ca/rain-smart
