Ainslie Wood Neighbourhood Creek Separation

During the City’s early development, naturally occurring stream flows were redirected to a combined sewer system in the Ainslie Wood Neighbourhood. This results in large amounts of stormwater being directed through the City’s combined sewer system. The stormwater mixes with wastewater from homes and businesses, rather than flowing in local watercourses towards Cootes Paradise.
The volume of wastewater and stormwater in these sewers during large storm events can overwhelm the sewer system. In order to lower the risk for sewer backups and basement flooding in the area, the Royal Stroud Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Tank was constructed to serve as a holding facility and overflow valve when combined sewer flows need to be discharged to Chedoke Creek during large storm events.

The purpose of the Study is to identify a solution for removing stormwater flows from the Chedoke Creek from the combined sewer system. The primary goal of the proposed solution will be to reduce the amount of stormwater directed to the wastewater treatment plant and reduce the number of CSO overflows at the Royal Stroud CSO Tank.

There is potential for additional value to the community, such as providing separated sewer servicing to areas that are currently serviced by a combined sewer alone. The possibility of additional benefits will be analyzed during the alternative evaluation process.

The implementation of the selected design may result in construction within the Ainslie Wood Neighbourhood, which will be primarily limited to roads and sidewalks and utility easements. Impacts to residents and businesses due to construction will be carefully considered through the evaluation of alternative designs, and the City will work to limit any negative impacts as a result of construction activities in the area. The timeline for construction is unknown at this time.

Best practices for stormwater management start at the source. The Project Team understands the importance of promoting practices and solutions that reduce the stress on municipal infrastructure downstream. There are many ways to help improve the quality of stormwater and limit erosion and flood risks throughout a catchment area.

This study’s focus is the diversion of Chedoke Creek flows from the municipal combined sewer downstream of the Niagara Escarpment. Although upstream improvements may help reduce stormwater issues in the Study Area, it is not possible to entirely divert wet-weather flows originating from “up the mountain” away from the Ainslie Wood neighbourhood.

The Project Team will continue to consider opportunities to address stormwater management issues, which in turn will help reduce stormwater impacts to downstream receptors.

The City is identifying and evaluating alternative designs that present minimal impacts to residents. These alternatives seek to avoid any construction or direct impacts on private properties. Changes in sewer servicing may require upgrades to your home’s sewer connections, which will be addressed by the City at the time of construction.

The Study’s long-term goals are a reduction of stormwater input to the combined sewer system and downstream treatment facilities.

As this Study evolves, the City is exploring the opportunity to address general stormwater management concerns throughout the project area and through the upstream catchment area. Recommendations made as part of this Study may further address the  improvement of water quality and reduction of stormwater runoff as part of a greater stormwater management strategy for the area.

As part of the current study, the Project Team is completing a Natural Heritage Assessment. This assessment seeks to characterize existing natural features in and around the Study Area. An amphibian survey is also being completed to assess the potential for amphibian presence in the Study Area.

The completion of the study will have no impact on the natural areas, vegetation, and wildlife in the Study Area; it will, however, provide the basis of understanding for the evaluation of the potential for impacts due to the proposed design alternatives.

There are no risks to property, people, or the environment related to the completion of this study. The study will evaluate any potential risks associated with the implementation of a preferred design alternative and provide recommendations on how to limit these risks in the future.

The study is expected to be completed in early 2024.

The City opted to present the first Public Information Centre virtually to increase the accessibility of the project information to residents and stakeholders, as well as extend the opportunity to provide feedback.

The next PIC is anticipated to be conducted in-person in Fall 2023.

Comments or questions can be provided at any time over the course of the study. Refer to the "Contact Us" section in the left side menu.