A Unique “Rain Garden” Is Being Built At A Brampton Public School
Published August 20, 2019 at 7:29 pm
A Brampton school is getting a rain garden as part of a sustainability project in Brampton.
A Brampton school is getting a rain garden as part of a sustainability project in Brampton.
The Fletchers Creek SNAP was initiated by Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) and developed in partnership with the City of Brampton and the Region of Peel.
According to the CVC, the community of Fletchers Creek presents several sustainability challenges including ageing infrastructure, degraded natural areas, a diminished urban forest and a lack of modern-day stormwater management controls. Like many older urban areas, this neighbourhood is vulnerable to urban heat, poor air quality, extreme storm events and flooding associated with climate change.
The Fletchers Creek SNAP Action Plan identifies local projects that will address these challenges and meet the sustainability objectives of its project partners. The project is a part of the Brampton 2040 Vision: Living the Mosaic, the Brampton Grow Green Environmental Master Plan, Region of Peel’s Water Efficiency Strategy, Region of Peel’s Climate Change Strategy and CVC’s Fletchers Creek Subwatershed Restoration Strategy.
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As a part of this project, the Peel District School Board has started constructing the Glendale Public School Rain Garden in an unused baseball field. Located at 35 Sunset Boulevard, the rain garden will feature native plants, shade trees, educational signage and a viewing area.
When constructed, this retrofit project will drain 1.7 hectares (4.2 acres) and treat 7,211 m3 (7,211,000 litres) of stormwater runoff, which is enough to fill three Olympic-sized swimming pools.
This feature will help protect the habitat of endangered Redside Dace (fish) in Fletchers Creek, boost biodiversity and provide a habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The rain garden will help educate students, neighbours and green industry professionals.
The garden will be known as a “Character Garden,” which will highlight the important role that students play in environmental stewardship. It aims to serve as a symbol of the school’s continued commitment to building a positive school climate.
Recently, Glendale Public School received the 2018 Ontario Premier’s Award for Safe and Accepting Schools for their role in fostering a strong sense of teamwork and community with the rain garden project. Over 300 students, staff and parents were engaged in designing the garden.
The garden is expected to be completed by September.
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