Construction of the Lake and Mound

In the southwest portion of the Park, the construction of a comprehensive stormwater management system that includes filtration beds, bioswales and a lake is underway. This work is a continuation of the earth moving and grading completed in spring 2009.

Once functional, stormwater runoff will move through the park in an open system, designed to slow the flow of water and allow the water to make its way back to the water table. As a result, surface runoff is detained prior to being released to the Black Creek water system off site. The upper dry pond, wet pond and bioswale already in place will be planted with a wide range of native species in Spring 2010.

Extra material resulting from the excavation of the Lake is now being placed to create the Mound, a key lookout feature of the Park.

Public walkways
Elements associated with the stormwater management system include a pedestrian bridge to allow the current circuit path to continue unbroken over the bioswale and extend beyond its current limits, and a public lookout point at the edge of the lake.

Other elements being designed include significant grading changes to develop a more distinct landscape that will add character to the Park.

Behind the scenes
A great deal of engineering work has been completed to provide for new utilities such as sanitary sewers, water and hydro at the south end of the Park to accommodate existing facilities within Downsview Park lands, military housing lands and Bombardier lands.

All of the design and construction work undertaken complies with Downsview Park’s sustainability ambitions. The stormwater management system has been designed to the highest standards and uses biotechnology/bioengineering techniques to effectively convey and clean stormwater runoff. Significant controls are in place to ensure that construction activities will not have a negative impact on downstream conditions.