Waterloo Park improvements (Silver Lake)

We’re happy to share that the fountains along the shoreline are on! The heavy construction work is complete and the area is open to the public. There is still some minor landscaping work that needs to be done, but this won’t impact access to the area.

The new shoreline offers many opportunities for recreation, socialization and relaxation. The upgrades include a new boardwalk which provides access over Silver Lake and strengthens connections throughout the park. All of this work aligns with the vision of the Waterloo Park Plan, improving the experience of all park visitors and refreshing previously aging infrastructure.

As you enjoy the new space and amenities, please be respectful and follow the rules posted on the signs.

Fountains:

The new display fountains decorate and light up the shoreline in the evening, adding to the ambiance and beauty of the area. The fountains are made up of 3 parts, including:

1. A circular fountain at the top of the stairs, with seating all around the rim and large metal letters spelling out Waterloo Park.
   

   
   

2. A cascading water fountain leading towards the shoreline, decorated with rocks and pebbles.
   
3. A circular fountain at the edge of the shoreline, with seating all around the rim and misting trees in the middle.
   

Please note: The fountains are not interactive. They are meant for display and decoration only. For your safety, please do not enter the fountains or drink the water in the fountains.

Spray jets

There are interactive spray jets in front of the misting trees section of the fountain. The spray jets serve as a cooling feature between May to September.

Beach area along the shoreline

Equipped with sand and complete with blue beach umbrellas, this is a lovely spot to unwind and enjoy the scenic views of Silver Lake.

Please note: Fishing, swimming and throwing sand into the water along the shoreline is not permitted.

Enjoy the spaces!

The Waterloo Park Silver Lake Improvements project is one step closer to completion, and construction is now on pause for winter. The perimeter construction fencing has been removed! There is still work to finish in the spring, but it should be short term and can be done without completely closing the area.

Although we know everyone will be excited to see the newly constructed space, there will be limited winter maintenance in the area, to prolong the life of the new structures and to reduce the amount of salt runoff to Silver Lake. Certain areas will remain closed for the winter, including all concrete stairs, the beach area, the lake lookouts, south shore boardwalks, and the Grist Mill deck, ramp and bridge. You’ll still be able to see the completed works for the fountain feature and tree sculpture.

We’ve installed concrete stairs, concrete and asphalt pathways, and related features such as seat walls, benches, garbage receptacles and pedestrian light fixtures. In the beach area, the accessible access ramps, stairs, sand and umbrellas have all been installed, and around the north shore 80 per cent of the landscaping is complete (the remaining beds around the fountain and parking lot will be finished in the spring when weather permits). The Park Inn also has new interlock paving, stairs, planters, pergola and seating!

Newly open again for the winter are the north shore parking lot, the accessible pathway from the parking lot down to the lake, and the new concrete/asphalt pathway around the lake (connecting via sidewalk for now around the Grist Mill while that area is closed for the winter).

In the spring, we’ll get to work as soon as we can on stair railings, fountain start up and commissioning, and the fountain building. Landscaping will be completed along the fountain and parking lot, as well as along the south shore pathway, and we’ll also finish up lighting for the Grist Mill deck and boardwalks in the spring. Stay tuned!

Silver Lake South Shore

The work along the south shoreline of Silver Lake, including the boardwalk structures and LRT deck extension has been successfully completed! The fencing on the south shore will be taken down on Monday, September 26^th and this portion of the trail and boardwalk will be opened to the public. Please note the Grist Mill area and nearby bridge are still under construction and this area will remained fenced off and closed. There is still some remaining work to be done along the south shore, including sidewalk repairs, boardwalk lighting and landscaping, but the boardwalk is now open.

Silver Lake North Shore

Along the north shore, underground servicing is now complete and significant progress has been made on above-ground works, including the electrical building, lighting, concrete and piping works for the fountain features, fountain mechanical building, significant portions of the concrete and asphalt pathways, the beach area, benches and some of the plantings. With the potential exception of certain landscaping items, we hope to have the north shore works substantially complete by the end of the year, pending cooperation from the weather. The fencing will remain up with no public access to the north shore until the remaining work is done.

Construction activities will continue through the winter as weather permits on the Silver Lake upgrades in Waterloo Park. Along the north shore, work continues to progress with the underground infrastructure required to support the new Silver Lake Plaza water feature, and to prepare the area for eventual paving and fountain installation.

Along the east shore closest to Caroline Street, the grading for the pathway running along the shore and in the Grist Mill area (and linking the south shore to the north shore) has been completed. Electrical conduits and light pedestals have also been installed in this area.

On the south shore, landscape plantings and asphalt paving have been completed. Although the new boardwalk was constructed, inspections found that the boardwalks and terraces were not built according to contract requirements by the previous contractor. These will be rebuilt over the winter to meet our safety and durability standards. This remedial work is covered under contract warranty and the city will not be paying extra for it. We look forward to opening the south shore area to show off all of these new features.

The third component of the Waterloo Park Silver Lake and Laurel Creek Improvement project is scheduled to begin the week of May 25^th, 2021. The Laurel Creek and Silver Lake restoration works are nearing completion! This third portion of the project will see the transformation of the north shore park area and will include:

• Removal of the old infrastructure and buildings related to the former splash pad
• Massive regrading of the north shore slope area. The existing Park Inn and adjacent parking area is currently isolated and cut off from the lake physically and visually. The proposed landscape design for the north shore slope area will better connect the newly restored Silver Lake feature to the surrounding broader park area.
• A new focal fountain feature, beach area and seating areas
• Upgrades to the Park Inn area including: restoration of the asphalt parking lot, a bio-swale drainage feature, pergola and updated seating area
• Upgrades to underground storm sewer infrastructure and servicing to the Park Inn
• Updated and improved electrical servicing and lighting around the lake
• New plantings and landscaping around the lake

The City has retained Gateman Milloy Inc. to complete the construction works. The work is scheduled to begin the week of May 25, 2021, and is tentatively expected to be finished in the summer of 2022, pending further review. During construction, the Park Inn and nearby parking lot and playground area will be closed. The park access road from Young Street will be for authorized vehicles only. Trails around the lake will be closed while the final asphalt and landscaping work is done. Signs will be posted to indicate any closures and/or detour routes.

Construction activity will generally happen Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There may be occasions where work is required to occur later, until 7 p.m., or possibly on a Saturday. Heavy construction equipment will be needed to complete the various improvement works, which will disturb certain areas around the lake. All work will be performed on public lands and any disturbed areas will be restored and re-vegetated at the earliest opportunity.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation and understanding during this important Waterloo Park improvement work. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the project team.

Why did trees have to be removed?

Creek restoration, the cleanout and retrofit of stormwater management facilities, and work around natural features (lakes, wetlands) generally requires some removal of vegetation. This could be due to access requirements with large machinery, access routes to the work area, design requirements, or the infrastructure being installed as part of the new design. The project manager and forestry manager at the city work together to go over removals with the consulting team and contractor for each project (as well as any regulatory authorities, as needed). We make every effort to avoid vegetation removal where possible and do not plan to remove vegetation in areas where it is not necessary. Where a new creek meander or lake shoreline is planned, and existing trees interfere with the work, the trees are proposed for removal. Where trees are identified as significant, species at risk or heritage, additional consideration is given where the proposed plan can be altered.

Our urban waterways are dynamic systems that can change over time and this can create challenges where infrastructure becomes at risk or private property becomes impacted by changes over time. Waterloo is an urbanized environment and we are obligated to maintain the overall system to provide flood protection, infrastructure protection, resiliency and conveyance through the city.

What goes into consideration for tree removal? What about animals and habitats?

Vegetation removal is discussed throughout the process of project development from concept to construction. This is something that is considered when we go through Environmental Assessments (EA’s) as well as during the detailed design process and construction. This includes investigation and documentation of species onsite (this may include registration and documentation of species at risk, protection plans, bat and bird nesting surveys, invasive species), anticipated removals within the work zone and mitigation plans for trees identified as significant through our consultation period (from either residents, internal City staff or regulatory bodies).

As part of the new design, armourstone and rocky embankments along the edges of the lake will serve to reduce erosion into the lake, increase the longevity of the feature and provide delineation from proposed public use spaces in the design. This will not deter aquatic species or critters from growing or using the new space. There will be naturally vegetated areas included as part of the design and areas beyond the hard bank treatments will also be vegetated.

Why was so much clearing done on the West side around Laurel Creek?

The work on the West side of the park includes improvements to the section of Laurel Creek that runs through the park, installation of a new pedestrian bridge near the bandshell and creation of an upstream lake cell (upstream of the LRT crossing). The channel is being re-directed in specific areas to allow for more of a meander and access to the floodplain. This slows the water and creates opportunity for habitat once work is completed. The upstream lake cell is being created to provide a location for sediment accumulation ahead of the main lake so the city can maintain this feature more regularly and lengthen the time between larger lake cleanouts. We try to avoid removal of vegetation as much as possible and have re-designed in a couple instances to avoid mature trees, where space allowed. Some restoration work has already been done on sections of the channel that have already been completed. The remaining restoration work will occur in the spring in all areas disturbed by construction.

Why was so much clearing done on the East side near Silver Lake?

The work on the East side of the park includes improvements to Silver Lake. This includes dredging of built up material, reconfiguration of the shoreline, installation of a boardwalk on the south bank, a new pedestrian bridge connection near the grist mill, and an extension to the lookout near the bridge crossings. Silver Lake was over capacity with sediment build up and required a cleanout. The work upstream on the creek helps to slow the water and settle out excess material ahead of arriving at the lake. The current work on the lake will be limited to the area directly around the Lake and the parking lot at the north shore. We anticipate that the tender for the park component of the project (on the north bank of Silver Lake) will be released within the next month and a contractor will begin the landscaping components of the project this Spring.

What consideration was given to the willow trees by the Perimeter building and their value?

The area along the South bank of Silver Lake (near the Perimeter Institute) had many removals. Part of the objective of this construction project was to remove invasive vegetation species. The majority of the tree species along the south shoreline were invasive and have created some public safety concerns. The trees that were removed include the following:

• Multiple willow species (Black and crack willow)
• Manitoba maple
• Norway maple
• European buckthorn
• Poplar species

The large willow trees near the PI building had many signs of decline due to poor health. Evidence of this was displayed through decay of wood, loss of limbs, exposed roots, historical pruning, and cracks formed in the trunks and branches of the trees. Evidence of previous pruning to these trees identified that a real risk of failing limbs exists, and thus posed a risk to safety if left and not removed. During the removal, arborists commented on how rotted the trunks were, and special care was needed to safely fell and remove the trees. Even if they could have been preserved, any construction works required to access the adjacent project areas (excavation and fill operations for the pathway and shoreline protection) would have placed additional stress on the already declining trees.

A grouping of trees along the southwest side of the lake have been retained near the deck platform, as well as other trees which do not interfere with the new shoreline and pathway alignment. Areas disturbed or cleared by construction will be replanted with a selection of native trees and plants.

Is the tree removal over now? Are the remaining trees “safe”?

Aside from any unforeseen circumstances, tree removals are complete for the Laurel creek and Silver Lake projects.

How long will it take to see improvements again after replanting?

The restoration planting will include the following species:

• Tulip tree
• Sugar maple
• American Basswood
• White Spruce
• Bur Oak
• Red Oak

Planting groups of multiple species of native shrubs and grasses are also planned. This mix of fast-growing and longer-maturing plants and trees should see significant growth within a couple of growing seasons, while allowing for mature trees to develop in the space again. It is expected that the replanting of this area will greatly improve the aesthetic appeal of the park and reduce the long term maintenance requirements of city staff. The new designs for the creek and lake should also reduce the impact of future work on the vegetation in this space.

Lions Lagoon and Waterloo Park west - water play area

The city installed Lions Lagoon in the early 1990s in Waterloo Park east. Constructed over a former outdoor swimming pool that required repair, it is the only splash pad facility that exists in Waterloo at present. Over the years, Lions Lagoon has undergone numerous repairs to maintain functionality. However, the useful life cycle of this facility has been reached and in 2020 a new splash pad was built on the west side of Waterloo Park. For more information, view the Waterloo Park west splash pad project overview.

Waterloo Park West Splash Pad

• The new splash pad was completed and opened in mid-August, and enjoyed by the public, with physical distancing protocols in place, until Labour Day. Now that the summer has come to an end the splash pad is closed until June 2021. See you next summer!

Laurel Creek and Silver Lake construction is underway

Laurel Creek and Silver Lake rehabilitation construction is underway. This work includes:

• Laurel Creek: rehabilitation along the creek in Waterloo Park from Westmount Road to the LRT track at the promenade (Laurel Trail)
• Silver Lake: dredging of the lake and removal of accumulated sediment, reconfiguration of the shoreline, demolition of Lions Lagoon

The work on the west side of the park includes improvements to the section of Laurel Creek that runs through the park. The channel is being re-directed in specific areas to allow for more of a meander, to slow the water and create opportunity for habitat. It also includes the creation of an upstream lake cell on the west side of the LRT tracks to provide a settlement area for sediment and material travelling downstream. The city will carry out regular maintenance on this feature to lengthen the time between larger lake cleanouts. This work will be limited to the creek corridor and staging area near the bandshell.

What about the trees? Construction projects in a mature neighbourhoods and parks are a sensitive issue. The city values our urban tree canopy. As part of the design process, we review the proposed designs with the city arborist, ecologists and arborists from the project team, and relevant regulatory agencies to identify any potential impacts to existing trees. We take great care to save healthy trees as part of our design and construction process wherever possible. Any anticipated potential tree loss is identified in the design options, and evaluated to determine what possibilities there may be with the design to avoid removals. Sometimes, there are additional steps that can be taken as part of the design and during construction to reduce tree loss and damage.

Reconfiguration of a creek is done to allow for better sediment transport and flow through our urbanized system. In some cases, erosion of the creek bank can threaten the integrity and structural stability of nearby infrastructure which requires creek bank stabilization measures. The reconfiguration and/or stabilization of creek banks by installing engineered retaining structures (such as armour stone) can be disruptive to the vegetation along the creek corridor. Creek reconfiguration and bank stabilization, while disruptive, helps to plan for the future and minimizes the need for future removals.

The stormwater management ponds and lakes throughout our system also require maintenance from time to time, and this work can also be disruptive to the existing plants in those areas. These are maintenance items that are required to maintain resiliency in our system and provide protection for our communities, private properties, and infrastructure. Changes to our natural assets and stormwater management infrastructure always include a landscaping and planting plan to replace lost vegetation once the work has been completed.

Every effort is always made to save as many trees as possible during both the design and construction phases of any project.

The remaining area of the park on the west side will remain open and accessible for residents and park users to enjoy. This includes the sports fields, picnicking areas, walking trails, ball diamonds, skate park, natural play area and the new splash pad area.

The work on the east side of the park includes dredging of built up material from the lake and reconfiguration of the shoreline. Silver Lake is currently over capacity with sediment build up and requires a clean-out. This work will be limited to the area directly around the lake and the parking lot at the north shore. The promenade will not be impacted or closed by this work. The remaining area of the park on the east side will remain open and accessible for residents and park users to enjoy. This includes the promenade, the Eby Farmstead, walking trails, potters’ workshop area, cricket pitch, sports fields, ball diamonds, Victorian gardens and lookout.

Construction will carry through the remainder of 2020. We do not anticipate any interruptions to trail connections/usage, however please follow us on Twitter and Facebook for construction updates.