Back to SearchKITCHENER -- The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced a $750,000 grant that will help the City of Kitchener incorporate state of the art stormwater management features at the new RBJ Schlegel Park. This investment in green infrastructure will continue Kitchener’s reputation as a leader in environmental sustainability and improve watershed health by minimizing stormwater runoff into the downstream system.
“RBJ Schlegel Park will provide many recreational facilities and play areas for Kitchener residents,” states MP Marwan Tabbara. “When it opens next year I expect it will include multiple sports fields, a children's playground and splash pad. I am very pleased that it will include innovative green infrastructure that will be supported financially by our government’s municipal green infrastructure program. Well-managed cities like Kitchener are important partners in climate action. Our government is investing $26.9 billion in green infrastructure projects across the country. We are providing grants for three programs delivered by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, including the Municipalities for Climate Innovation Program. These projects will help reduce Canada’s carbon footprint and increase our resilience against climate change, while creating jobs and growing the economy.”
“We’re committed to building a culture of sustainability and including this type of infrastructure is the new standard which cities like ours must look at,” says Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, City of Kitchener. “In addition to adding to the park's amenities, showcasing the environmental benefits of low impact development (LID) at RBJ Schlegel Park will hopefully inspire other businesses and organizations to include similar LID infrastructure at their locations so that together, we can protect our community against the impacts of climate change.”
The system will ensure that stormwater is managed effectively at the park with features like rain gardens in the parking areas, infiltration galleries under the artificial turf playing fields, bioswales and oil/grit separators to remove debris and treat road run-off, and a rock infiltration trench located under a dry retention pond. Stormwater will also be contained on site, minimizing impacts to the environment by replenishing our groundwater resources and reducing the chances of flooding.
“Not only do rain gardens and bioswales help protect the environment, they will also add to the natural beauty of this fantastic park,” explains Ward 5 Councillor Kelly Galloway-Sealock. “The natural vegetation provides habitats for birds and animals, which residents can enjoy while using the trails, playground and picnic areas.”
This investment aligns with the city’s integrated stormwater management master plan which outlines guidelines and policies that dictate how the city will manage stormwater over the next 15 years. By investing in this infrastructure now, we will be able to monitor the performance and maintenance requirements associated with green infrastructure to better understand how to fund sustainability initiatives in the future.
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For More Information:
Erin Power
Communications and Marketing Associate
City of Kitchener
519-741-2200 x7547
erin.power@kitchener.ca
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