PROJECT: Christie Lake Conservation Area – Pond Decommissioning and Fish Habitat Improvement

CLIENT: Hamilton Conservation Authority

NUMBER OF YEARS DEALING WITH CLIENT: +/- 12 years 

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT:

• Water’s Edge was authorized by Hamilton Conservation Area (HCA) to complete an assessment of three Spencer Creek tributaries containing seven manmade (or anthropogenic) online ponds with the intention of removing the ponds.  
• Design concepts and drawings addressed environmental requirements in order to provide dynamic stability and enhance the downstream translation of cold water to lower fish populations within Christie Lake. 
• Water’s Edge prepared designs of the pond removals and the rehabilitation of the ponds back to flowing tributaries and natural conditions using natural channel design principles and bioengineering applications.  
• Over 300 metres of channel were created/restored as well as various wetlands and backwater areas. 
• Water’s Edge also prepared the tender package and supervised construction. 

TIMING AND DURATION OF INVOLVEMENT:

• Project initiated in 2013 and initial design completed in 2014.  Phases 1 and 2 of the works were constructed during Winter 2014 and Winter 2015 respectively. Phases 3 and 4 were constructed in December 2015.  Phase 5 was constructed in 2016 while Phase 6 was completed in April 2018. 

SERVICES PROVIDED:

Project Management

Fluvial Geomorphology

Civil Engineering (grading design, road, culvert and outlet designs)

Water Resources Engineering (Hydrology and Hydraulics)

Contract Administration (Tender Preparation and Construction Inspection)

DATE OF PROJECT: April 2013 – April 2018

Phase 1 (Pond 1 Only)