The Town’s active transportation network will grow yet again with the conversion to wetlands of the decommissioned Edgewater lagoons in the Golfview subdivision and the construction around them of a two-metre granular pathway.
The pathway will go around the two eastern cells and will include a pathway connection to Golfview Park. There will be a parking lot on the eastern edge of Golfview Park with access from Linwood Drive. There is already an incredible amount of greenspace back there and this project will enhance it considerably and provide better access for residents.
The lagoons are no longer required to treat sewage and the intent is to transform them into wetland habitat that can support a wide variety of flora and fauna. The sanitary sludge that remains in the lagoons will promote that transition as it will provide nutrients that attract waterfowl and shorebirds.
“Wetlands such as the one proposed in Edgewater that have aquatic, marsh, and riparian areas can support a variety of open and treed habitats for fish, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals and pollinating insects,” said an administrative report. “The proximity of the lagoons to other existing natural heritage features is a strong indicator that wetland conversion would sustain high levels of flora and fauna biodiversity. Conversion to natural wetlands will enhance the connectivity in the surrounding landscape, and support and enhance existing ecological functions in adjacent areas.”
Council awarded a $1,178,800 plus HST contract for the project to Nevan Construction Inc., the lowest of four bidders. Funding for this project was initially approved by Council in the 2020 Budget.
As an avid runner and cyclist, I’m excited to see this project move forward. It will be a great amenity for residents of Golfview and the entire Town, just like the spectacular Big Creek Trail taking shape at the Libro Centre.
