CONSTRUCTED WETLANDConstructed 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 pollution 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.

The Functions of a Constructed Wetland

• Improved Water Quality• Water Storage• Wildlife Habitat• Neighbourhood Amenity

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.

Shoreline Planting 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 riparian zone.

Marsh Planting The marsh planting zone provides the wetland with its greatest diversity of native plant material. The marsh planting functionsasabiologicalfilterforstormwater, improves the water quality, and provides wildlife habitat and erosion control.

CONSTRUCTED WETLAND

EXISTING WETLAND

CHANNEL

CROSS SECTION OF CONSTRUCTED WETLAND

Bioswales are open drainage channels with densevegetation,specificallydesignedtotreat 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 infiltrationlayertoprovideenhancedwaterquality treatment and promote movement of water into the adjacent soils. Bioswales are an alternative way of collecting and moving surface runoff, rather than a catch basin and pipes. They offer the added benefitsof improvedwaterquality,wildlifehabitat and aesthetics.

BIOSWALE SECTION

BIOSWALE SECTION (TOP OF SLOPE)

BIOSWALE SECTION (TYPICAL)

BIOSWALES

The Functions of a Bioswale

• Improved Water Quality• Reduced Water Runoff• Increased Groundwater Recharge• Wildlife Habitat

Thispondisanaturallyoccurringwetlandandisconsideredasignificantwildlifehabitat 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.

It was important in the design of this neighbourhood to maintain and enhance 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.

EXISTING WETLAND PRIOR TO CONSTRUCTION

AERIAL PHOTO (1962) AERIAL PHOTO (1992)

EXISTING WETLAND

EXISTING WETLAND

EXISTING WETLAND

The Functions of a Wetland

• Improved Water Quality• Wildlife Habitat• Increased Groundwater Recharge• Neighbourhood Amenity