Help shape the future of Millwood Park and Carlyle Park

Thank you for your questions and enthusiasm. Sorry about the late response.

Because the ball field backstop is in the proposed pond location we will need to remove it. We will work alongside the community to identify and accommodate any recreational needs for this area. More details and opportunities will follow once we complete the background investigation. Be sure to subscribe to the Engage page to receive updates.

Regarding the natural area, the pond work will be conducted outside of the naturalized space and drain into existing storm pipes. There should be no impacts but we will get a better idea once the background site conditions are surveyed.

Thanks for this question. There are two main reasons for the timing of this work:
 

1. How we manage stormwater in cities has improved since your neighbourhood was built. In 2016 the Millwood Park area was one of many locations identified across Kitchener for stormwater management upgrades. We identified locations where we could significantly improve water quality and prevent flooding. Without upgrades, rain washes contaminants from roads straight into local waterways. During storms, rains drain into the creek at high volumes, causing soil erosion. Stormwaters in your neighbourhood drain into Schneider Creek which empties into the Grand River.  
   
    
2. This work has become more urgent because of climate change. More frequent and more intense storms are expected in the future. Stormwater upgrades will help mitigate the severity of local flooding.  

We hear your concern about the nearby school. Safety is a key factor in the way we design stormwater management ponds. We apply Provincial and Municipal safety standards. Some safety measures include signage, buffer zones, railings, and natural planting barriers. 

Thanks for sharing your safety concerns. Safety is a key factor in our stormwater management pond designs. We apply Provincial and Municipal safety standards. Some safety measures include signage, buffer zones, railings, and natural planting barriers. 

We are sorry this is the first time you are hearing about this stormwater pond project. The decision to add a stormwater management pond to Millwood Park was made in 2016 through Kitchener's first Stormwater Management Masterplan. 

In 2015, we consulted the public about the Stormwater Management Masterplan. The consultation went beyond our typical approach for that time. But we consulted city-wide rather than taking a park-by-park approach. 

Since 2015 our approach to engagement has evolved and improved. We are committed to inclusive and equitable community engagement. We include those who are most affected by decisions in public participation processes. 

In August 2022, we used signage to let people know about this project ahead of field assessments. We will seek neighbourhood input to generate design ideas as we balance the new stormwater pond with park improvements. Our outreach will be more thorough as we begin the design process for the pond and park. We will use this Engage page, social media ads, and mailouts to share news about engagement opportunities. Please subscribe to this Engage page to receive all project updates! 

Thanks for your question and interest in Millwood Park. Stormwater ponds like the one proposed at Millwood Park are not designed to be aerated by fountains, so there will not be a fountain in this pond.