Stormwater Management
Southpointe Stormwater Management Facility Rehabilitation 2022
During March and April, nearly 1,400m3 of sludge was excavated from the stormwater facility (“storm pond”) in the greenbelt between Cranston Place and Durrand Bend. Removal of this sediment will help improve water quality and limit vegetation from overtaking the surface. Work on renewing the storm pond is complete.
Landscaping and Wildlife
While construction work was underway, the area was monitored by an environmental specialist to ensure that wildlife was not harmed. Birds, amphibians, and small mammals have begun to return to the pond. Natural vegetation, including grass and cattails, around the edge of the water provide shelter and an abundance of food. Vegetation also helps to pull salt and other pollutants from the water before it reaches Ross Creek. It is important to note that although excess vegetation filling the water body can have a negative affect on the system; natural vegetation around the storm pond is beneficial.
Remaining Work and Schedule
- Trail reconstruction
- Replacement trees and shrub planting
- Correction of turf area deficiencies
Remaining work is expected to be complete in early summer.
Temporary Storage
The sediment removed from the ponds must be stored in windrows to allow the soil to dry before being repurposed. The windrows will be located at 151 Southridge Boulevard, or the future Fire Station site. This site was selected because it is owned by the City, located within close proximity to the project site, provides a large area, and is currently not being used as a park or amenity space.
Once the windrows have dried out, the sediment will be repurposed, and the site will be cleaned up. We anticipate this work will occur before the end of the 2022 construction season.
Heavy equipment will be used to create the windrows, turn the piles, and to clean up the site. Trucks are expected to move the sediment to the site starting early March. Work will proceed through the spring with clean up likely to occur in the summer or fall, depending upon how quickly the windrows dry.
All sediment to be stored on this site has been tested and does not pose an environmental risk.
Future Updates
Updated construction timelines and information will be posted on this page. If you have any concerns, please email publicworks@fortsask.ca or call 780-992-6248.
Fort Saskatchewan's stormwater management system gathers rainfall and surface water runoff to help reduce flooding. Stormwater ponds, wetlands, ditches, underground pipes and even your lot grading are all part of the stormwater management system.
Ponds and wetlands, known as stormwater management facilities, are able to:
- gather rainfall and surface water runoff
- reduce the possibility of flooding, erosion and property damage
- provide a habitat for birds and animals
- help improve the quality of water flowing to the river by filtering sediment and other pollutants.
Find out what you can do to help keep the water flowing where it needs to go during:
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Heavy Rainfall |
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During heavy rainfall, some ponding on the roads and higher water in greenbelts is normal. The stormwater system will catch up and drain the water where it needs to go. Please note, it can take up to 2 days for water levels to return to normal. Some important things homeowners can do to help reduce the risk of basement flooding during a storm are:
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Freeze-Thaw Conditions |
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Freeze-thaw cycles can occur through the winter and. Melting snow drains from roofs, yards and driveways and can create icy conditions when temperatures freeze again. Stormwater pipes, drains, gutters and culverts can freeze and block water from draining from streets. If you notice a frozen storm drain please report any issues through Fort Report or call Public Works at 780-992-6248. To help ensure spring runoff flows smoothly, take the following steps:
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