Alberta Stormwater Management Pond

About the Project

Location: Cochrane, Alberta
Project Duration: Multi-year, multi-phase project
Skills: Planning and design, sub-contractor management, landscaping, excavation, water harvesting and irrigation, stone masonry, electrical
Suppliers: Rappel Excavating, CLS Landscape, Big Fern Contracting, Chris Westergard and Integrated Sustainability

Stormwater ponds are common in rural Alberta to collect runoff water. A client living on an acreage outside of Cochrane wanted to landscape the area surrounding their county-owned stormwater pond to create a gathering space for a family wedding. They required a company to bring their vision to life by providing a unique design and giving feedback on landscaping and stormwater management best practices. They wanted an intricate three-fall water feature and for the entire project to be completed to the highest standards in case they sold the property in the future. In addition, they wanted a zero waste project and all landscape amendments to adhere to the county’s stormwater pond policies. OnGrowing Works was hired to:

Create the plan and design, and manage all project phases
Lead all planning meetings with the County of Rockyview who initially declined the proposed stormwater pond improvements. Our revised plan turned this ugly scar into a beautiful outdoor space
Reshape the pond by excavating, stripping and grading the surrounding soil
Build retaining walls
Install a water feature that operates year round, as well as a stormwater management system to handle extreme weather and protect neighbours downstream
Construct a natural stone patio
Install hardy native plantings and an irrigation system that used harvested water
Build a fire pit
Install landscape lighting

This is one of the most complex projects we’ve undertaken because of the diverse trades skills required and the need to balance the county’s technical requirements with the client’s aesthetic needs. We exceeded all county policies and bylaws by meticulously ensuring that the project plan, design and installation respected county drainage requirements. If the project wasn’t done correctly, too much water could cycle through the stormwater system and flood. In addition, we tied the water feature into the client’s well system so it could pull water from the well during a rain shortage. It was critical to ensure that the well system wasn’t compromised by any changes.

To adhere to the project’s zero waste components, we tracked all removed material and ensured that it was sustainably incorporated into the finished product. Finally, because the client lived on the property, we were mindful of the number of site deliveries. To ensure minimal disruptions, we carefully managed all logistics.