SASKATOON — Construction of a dry storm pond in Churchill Park is underway, an artificial structure that would help reduce neighbourhood flooding during significant rain events. Work began in the park in February and the project will be completed in 2023.
“Investing in climate-resilient infrastructure will protect communities from extreme weather events such as floods,” said Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Dominic LeBlanc.
“The Churchill Park dry storm pond will help increase Saskatoon’s resilience in the face of increased occurrences of floods while providing a recreation area and preserving green space. Our government will continue to work with our provincial and municipal partners to improve residents’ safety and build stronger communities."
Saskatoon Water acting director Pam Hamoline said once the project, the second of nine, has been completed the risk of flooding within the surrounding area of Churchill Park will be reduced.
“This is the second of nine planned projects under the Flood Control Strategy that was approved by City Council in 2018. Once complete, it will reduce the flood risk for properties near the intersections of Ruth Street at Cairns Avenue and York Avenue, and Bute Street at Munroe Avenue and Albert Avenue,” said Hamoline.
Dry storm ponds hold water that would otherwise cause flooding in intersections and nearby properties during intense rainfalls. The water flows into the pond instead, then slowly drains into the storm sewer system. Whenever dry, it is used as recreational or park space.
Flood Control Strategy projects have been planned to reduce flooding in neighbourhoods that were established before 1989, when improved stormwater infrastructure standards were established. The first FCS project in W.W. Ashley District Park was completed in late 2021 and will fully open later this year.
The Government of Canada is contributing 40 percent of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward the nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from Storm Water Utility charges.
For more information about the FCS program and future project locations, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.
