CONSTRUCTED WETLAND

Constructed wetlands are shallow ponds developed for storm water treatment that provide growing conditions suitable for wetland plants. Constructed wetlands are designed to improve water quality by minimizing from runoff prior to its entry into streams, natural wetlands, and other receiving waters, such as Big Lake. They can also play a role in water quantity management, controlling the amount of water that enters the other natural water features.

CONSTRUCTED WETLAND Meadow Planting The mixture of native grasses provides wildlife habitat while reducing the need to mow and use herbicides, pesticides and fertilizer. The meadow functions as a multiple use area for passive recreation. CHANNEL EXISTING Shoreline Planting WETLAND The mixture of native shrubs and grasses along the shoreline provides wildlife habitat and soil stabilization. The naturalized shoreline functions as a buffer between the meadow and the open water of the wetland. This is also called the .

Marsh Planting The marsh planting zone provides the wetland with its greatest diversity of native plant material. The marsh planting functions as a biological filter for , improves the water quality, and provides wildlife CROSS SECTION OF CONSTRUCTED WETLAND habitat and .

The Functions of a Constructed Wetland • Improved Water Quality • Water Storage • Wildlife Habitat • Neighbourhood Amenity BIOSWALES

BIOSWALE SECTION Bioswales are open drainage channels with dense vegetation, specifically designed to treat and convey stormwater runoff. They are linear in shape and have a sloped bottom to facilitate water movement. Bioswales use amended topsoil to retain moisture and selected planting to absorb moisture and slow water movement. They include an layer to provide enhanced water quality treatment and promote movement of water into the adjacent soils.

Bioswales are an alternative way of collecting and moving , rather than a catch basin and pipes. They offer the added benefits of improved water quality, wildlife BIOSWALE SECTION BIOSWALE SECTION habitat and aesthetics. (TYPICAL) (TOP OF SLOPE)

The Functions of a Bioswale • Improved Water Quality • Reduced Water Runoff • Increased • Wildlife Habitat EXISTING WETLAND

This pond is a naturally occurring wetland and is considered a significant wildlife habitat for water birds and amphibians. This wetland is an important food source and breeding location for wildlife. In addition to these uses, it will continue to collect and store storm water.

EXISTING EXISTING It was important in the design of this neighbourhood to maintain and enhance WETLAND WETLAND connectivity between this wetland and other core habitats—such as the constructed wetland and Horseshoe Creek—for the water birds and amphibians. These connections have been provided with a water channel and park space. In addition, the shallow water around the edge of the pond has been replanted with native emergent plant material to improve habitat conditions and water quality.

AERIAL PHOTO (1962) AERIAL PHOTO (1992)

EXISTING WETLAND PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION

The Functions of a Wetland • Improved Water Quality • Wildlife Habitat • Increased Groundwater Recharge • Neighbourhood Amenity