Columbia Way Stormwater Pond

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Columbia Way Stormwater Management Pond

The stormwater management pond located south of Columbia Way between Taylorwood Avenue and St. Michaels Crescent in Bolton has undergone rehabilitation work. The majority of the rehabilitation works were completed by November 2022, with final improvements to be implemented in Spring 2023 to meet conservation authority permitting requirements.

Background

In summer of 2021, the Town initiated construction to improve the Columbia Way Stormwater Management Pond (SWMP). The new Columbia Way SWMP mimics the functions of a natural wetland. The enhancements to the area improve water quality and water quantity to the receiving stream.

Did you know?

The summer of 2021 was a wet one. July 2021 was one of the wettest July’s on record. On average Caledon received 40% more rainfall as compared to historical averages. In some areas, Caledon received 80% more rainfall in the month of July as compared to historical averages.

The Columbia Way SWMP construction was impacted by these unforeseeable challenges. As a result, construction timelines were amended to reflect the weather conditions experienced in the summer of 2021, and to ensure construction proceeded in compliance with environmental regulations.

In the summer and fall of 2022, the majority of the Columbia Way SWMP construction was completed. Final improvements will be implemented in Spring 2023 to meet conservation authority permitting requirements.

What’s happening now?

The majority of the Columbia Way SWMP rehabilitation works were completed in November 2022. Rehabilitation works included the removal of sediment and grading within the pond and around its perimeter as well as the repaving of the trail from Columbia Way to St. Michaels Crescent. Works also included the installation of new habitat features within the pond and the planting of 36 trees, 4,000 shrubs and 10,000 aquatic plants.

The trail from Schaefer Place and St. Michaels Crescent has been re-opened as of November 15, 2022. 

What’s next?

Final improvements will be implemented in Spring 2023 to meet conservation authority permitting requirements. In addition, vegetation monitoring will be ongoing through 2023 and 2024 to ensure that any planting done as part of the rehabilitation works has successfully established. 

Frequently asked questions
Why is work being done on this stormwater management pond?

The original stormwater management pond was constructed in 1990-1991. Since this time, our understanding of stormwater management has evolved, and as such we are taking steps to bring our older facility up to today’s standards.

The stormwater management ponds is in place to provide flood control to protect the community. We have taken steps to ensure this area remains a beautiful component of the community, but the primary function of the area is to provide stormwater control.
Did the Town consult with the local community before starting this project?

As part of the process for improving the function of this stormwater management facility, the Town held a public information meeting. We heard from the community on how the stormwater management pond area is used which included things like birding, a request to protect a community planting area and tobogganing.

Based on the unique needs of the community, design considerations have been incorporated to accommodate the feedback we heard.
What is the Town doing to ensure children are safe when tobogganing or playing in the area?
While the Town does not support or endorse tobogganing in this area, additional consideration was given to create a ‘deceleration zone’ at the bottom of the hill identified by residents. This means that there is an upward sloping hump at the bottom of the hill to slow down tobogganers and prevent them from coming close to the edge of the water. As well, signage will be posted to inform all residents of where the edge of the water is and the risk of flooding.
The community planted a number of trees and bushes on the southwest end of the stormwater management pond. Will they be removed?

The Town has taken measures to grade areas outside of the community planting area which reduces the need for removing vegetation. Furthermore, COVID-19 restrictions permitting, the Town will host a public planting in the spring of 2023 to continue to support local stewardship.
There are lots of birds that inhabit the pond area. What is the Town doing to ensure the birds are not harmed?
The Town investigated the area for birds and nests in July 2021. Since no nests were found, tall grass and trees were removed. Further, the Town will be installing bird and amphibian habitat features to ensure that wildlife in this area can survive.
I received a letter from the Town indicating that the trail section connecting Taylorwood Ave to St. Michaels Crescent would be closed. When will this happen?
The Town is working closely with the contractor to limit closure of the trailway. The initial plan proposed by the contractor was to close the entire trail around the stormwater management pond. However, after much discussion, it will not be completely closed. Rather, only sections of the trail will be closed as construction continues.
Benefits

There are many benefits to an upgraded stormwater management pond and wetlands, such as: 

  • Improvements to the trail
  • Reducing the frequency of flooding
  • Beautifying the area
  • Connecting residents to nature
The importance of stormwater ponds

The Columbia Way Stormwater Pond is important to the community. Did you know:

  • The stormwater pond is designed to mimic a natural wetland
  • Because of wetland vegetation, soils and microbes, water quality is improved
  • These ponds hold stormwater over a period of time which is released slowly into the stream to reduce flooding
  • Wetland vegetation provides natural habitat to various animals
Background

The Town of Caledon investigated opportunities for improving the stormwater management pond located south of Columbia Way between Taylorwood Avenue and St. Michaels Crescent in Bolton.

These efforts included an Environmental Assessment in 2017 and a design exercise in 2019. In part, the objective of this work was to improve the flow of water impacting the stream that is currently flooding over a section of trail near Kingsview Crescent.

The existing stormwater management pond was built in the early 1990’s to provide flood control. Stormwater management has significantly changed over the last three decades. The Columbia Way SWMP was identified as high priority for improving the design to meet present day stormwater objectives.

The Town completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Schedule ‘B’ to inform the preferred design. Through the Environmental Assessment process, stakeholders identified upgrading the stormwater pond to a constructed wetland as the preferred design approach.
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