The Stage 2 O-Train Extension project is extending the O-Train System farther south, east, and west. The environmental benefits of the project extend beyond reducing the number of cars on the road.
As part of the O-Train West Extension, the Pinecrest Stormwater Management Pond was built to help reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff and help improve water quality.
Join The Next Stop Blog Team as we help you connect the drops in learning how the Pinecrest Stormwater Management Pond, also known as the Pinecrest Creek Pond, was constructed and how it will help protect our local waterways.
What is the Pinecrest Creek Pond?
The Pinecrest Creek Pond is designed to capture and manage stormwater runoff from the surrounding community.
The goal is to:
Reduce flooding and erosion.
Improve water quality.
Protect local ecosystems.
By managing stormwater effectively, we help prevent erosion to the Pinecrest Creek, improve water quality and maintain the natural beauty of our community.
Construction of the pond began in 2020, and crews have worked diligently over the last few years to excavate, build retaining walls, and complete landscaping. Now, with the construction complete, the pond will capture stormwater runoff from 435 hectares of the local neighbourhood, improve water quality, mitigate erosion to Pinecrest Creek and help reduce flooding.
After the excavation, the pond block was landscaped to include new trees, shrubs and wildflower meadows. In some areas, root wads were installed. Root wads are essentially the base of a tree and its roots that are left in a stream or river after the tree has fallen or been cut down. They help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion.
The areas around the pond have also been seeded with native plants. Over the coming years, more species will begin to sprout on the pond slopes and surrounding areas with a variety of colours.
Community-centered design
Beyond its functional benefits, the Pinecrest Creek Pond is designed with the community in mind. It is surrounded by Multi-Use Pathways (MUPs) and scenic lookout areas with benches to relax. These features beautify the area and create recreational opportunities for residents.
Help keep Ottawa’s waterways healthy
When it rains, storm sewers carry rain and surface runoff directly to the nearest creek, stream or river, frequently with limited or no treatment. Stormwater ponds receive stormwater runoff and hold the water back for a period to allow pollutants to settle before they drain into a watercourse. The controlled release rate also helps prevent flooding and erosion.
There are many things you can do around your home to keep stormwater out of storm sewers. Consider redirecting your downspout to disperse water onto your lawn or garden, instead of to your driveway and into the stormwater system. If you like gardening, you can install a rain garden, which is a garden specifically designed to capture and filter stormwater.
To help you learn more about these and other stormwater management systems for your home, the City of Ottawa has created Rain Ready Ottawa .
Through this program, all residents can access information and resources on how to take action at home to reduce the negative impacts of stormwater on our waterways. If you live within one of the program’s priority areas, you could get up to $5,000 in rebates to help cover the cost of making stormwater management improvements to your home. Visit ottawa.ca/rain to learn more.
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