Improving Vaughan’s stormwater facilities
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Learn about important infrastructure improvements to three stormwater ponds at upcoming virtual sessions
The City of Vaughan is committed to enhancing its communities and fostering sustainable growth for generations to come – and that includes making improvements to its stormwater ponds. In June, citizens can participate in virtual Public Information Centres to learn more about three upcoming projects, including timelines, construction impacts and the benefits of these improvements. Visit vaughan.ca/SWMF to register today.
The City of Vaughan is committed to enhancing its communities and fostering sustainable growth for generations to come – and that includes making improvements to its stormwater ponds. In June, citizens can participate in virtual Public Information Centres to learn more about three upcoming projects, including timelines, construction impacts and the benefits of these improvements. Visit vaughan.ca/SWMF to register today.
Stormwater management ponds are designed and built to collect rainfall and surface water runoff. They maintain the health of streams and stormwater infrastructure, ensuring excess water has somewhere to go. The City of Vaughan has approximately 140 stormwater management ponds throughout the community.
The following stormwater ponds will be improved in 2022 through the Stormwater Management Facility Improvements Program:
Blackburn Pond
Blackburn Pond is a large open area located west of Balding Boulevard, south of Blackburn Boulevard and east of Bell Harbour Place. The area is designed as a dry pond facility and provides flood control for the contributing catchment area. The existing pond will be further excavated and converted into a wet pond with the addition of a permanent body of water. This project will improve the functionality of the existing stormwater management facility. In addition, the proposed new design will provide water quality benefits, maintain existing flood control performance and improve access to the area for inspections and maintenance. Landscaping, planting and site furnishing will also take place.
Franklin Avenue Pond and Pondview Pond
Both locations are undergoing upgrades to improve the functionality of the existing stormwater management facilities and incorporate measures to solve historical flooding issues in the areas. Franklin Pond is situated between Hefhill Court and Franklin Boulevard, and Pondview Pond is located within Hefhill Park. Both facilities are dry ponds, which means they provide flood control in the immediate area, but local flooding issues have been identified in neighbouring properties. The proposed new design intends to mitigate flooding, increase storage capacity, install proper excess flows and redirect flow from three existing catch basins to bypass the existing sewer network. Work will also include pond regrading, building a retaining wall, installing stormwater infrastructure such as catch basins and manholes, and restoring vegetation.
While work takes place, fencing will be installed along the perimeter of the pond blocks and around Hefhill Park to prevent public access to the site. Traffic control requirements will also be in effect and access to existing park amenities, including playground areas and tennis courts, will be limited or restricted during construction.
These projects are partially funded by the federal government’s Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) and are anticipated to take place between January and August of 2022. Timelines are subject to change.
Citizens are invited to attend the upcoming virtual Public Information Centres to learn more:
- Blackburn Pond: Wednesday, June 2 at 7 p.m. Register to attend.
- Franklin Avenue Pond and Pondview Pond: Thursday, June 3 at 7 p.m. Register to attend.
By attending, participants will have the opportunity to learn more about planned stormwater projects, including the reasons for the proposed work, details about the construction impacts, timelines and the benefits of these improvements. The link to join the session will be sent in advance of the meeting.
Investing in environmental and infrastructure renewal projects, including this one, further demonstrates the City’s continued commitment to maintaining its existing infrastructure, enhancing Vaughan’s future and embracing sustainable growth. These projects are also aligned with the recently approved citizen-focused 2021 Budget and 2022 Financial Plan, and support and advance the 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.
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