SASKATOON — The City of Saskatoon has substantially completed the dry storm pond at W.W. Ashley District Park, a 10-month project that aims to reduce flooding in the most flood-prone areas during intense rainfalls.The project, approved by the City Council in 2018, will also serve as a sports field and park space when dry, aside from being a catch overflow.
Substantial completion means there are still some finishing touches to be done before the site can open, like installing stair railings and park benches. The site will remain closed until approximately fall 2022 to give the newly installed sod and seed time to establish.
Saskatoon Water director Russ Munro said they are looking forward to the renewed purpose of the project.
“The landscaping turned out beautifully with trees, a surrounding pathway, and spectator seating built into the slopes.
“We are very pleased with the end result and, while none of us want to experience excessive amounts of rain within very short periods of time, that is when we will see the new pond and underground drainage systems in action.”
Saskatoon Water is also gearing up for the second of nine approved flood control strategy projects including the construction of a dry storm pond in Churchill Park.
“Consultations have taken place and we have received great feedback from the community. We have moved forward with design plans and will proceed with construction in early 2022,” said Munro.
Dry storm ponds are designed to hold water that would otherwise cause nearby flooding during intense rainfalls. The water flows from properties and roads into the dry storm pond, then slowly drains into the storm sewer.
Prior to the establishment of the FCS, Saskatoon already had nine dry storm ponds, mostly in neighbourhoods built after 1989 when enhanced storm water infrastructure standards were established. The FCS focuses on neighbourhoods that were established prior to then.
The Government of Canada is contributing 40 per cent of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward 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, and to subscribe to Flood Protection Plan updates, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.
