Jackson Park Outfall Rehabilitation
The City of Peterborough and Water's Edge Environmental Solutions Team Ltd. is working to repair the channel which carries stormwater from an outlet on the north side of Parkhill Road and east of the Jackson Park entrance, down into Jackson Creek. The area is experiencing erosion, debris build-up, and a degraded culvert passing beneath the pedestrian trail.
The Issue:
Stormwater from Parkhill Road near its intersection with Monaghan Road flows into street storm drains and is discharged through a pipe, down a steep slope. Due to the slope and sandy soils, the area is actively eroding, causing damaged banks, exposed roots, and fallen trees, leading to a generally unappealing and low-functionality channel. The goal of the project is to design a new outfall which will convey flow more effectively, limit further erosion, and provide improved habitat and scenery.
Map of the work area
The Opportunities:
The are several options being considered to address this issue, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. Some of the alternatives are laid out broadly below.
Alternative 1: Leave it be.
Pros: No immediate cost. Cons: Prone to further issues, ongoing maintenance and threat to pedestrian trail, and poor habitat and scenery.
Alternative 2: Drop Pipe and Natural Channel Design. Add a drop structure and pipe which discharges close the bottom of the existing slope and fill a portion of the current corridor. Implement a natural channel between the new outflow pipe and Jackson Creek with an upgraded culvert beneath the pedestrian trail.
Pros: Limits erosive flows, limits threat to pedestrian trail, and gives a naturalized look. Cons: Some filling of corridor and higher upfront costs.
Alternative 3: Spillway and Natural Channel Design. Maintain the existing outflow pipe with a new concrete headwall. Stabilize the current spillway/channel with stone and/ or step pool structures. Implement a natural channel between the new outflow pipe and Jackson Creek with an upgraded culvert beneath the pedestrian trail.
Pros: No filling of corridor, limits threat to pedestrian trail, very naturalized look, moderate upfront cost. Cons: Long-term erosion concern, debris blockage concern.
Voice your opinion:
Comments are welcome using the comments section below. The closing date for public comments is Thursday, April 30.
Please reach out to the contacts in our "Who's Listening" section if you have any questions, comments or concerns. A wide variety of perspectives will contribute to a well justified and broadly satisfying solution.
