WC134 JanFeb 2024 - Magazine - Page 15
EPCOR works with communities to ensure that
green infrastructure like dry ponds 昀椀ts well into
neighbourhoods.
basements that 昀氀ooded with storms in years
past. EPCOR explained the concept and what
they were going to do.”
This dry pond in the Parkallen neighbourhood
of Edmonton is part of EPCOR’s Stormwater
Integrated Resource Plan.
Fenske and the EPCOR consultation team
use a “stakeholder matrix” with roughly a
dozen criteria for each project. “It’s a high
level of engagement and consultation,”
she says. “Data and experience help guide
our communication and identify unique
sensitivities.”
EPCOR uses a common methodology for such
projects, but project and community feedback
allows them to adapt and customize plans.
There are many engagement opportunities,
including surveys, open houses, online
information sessions, chances for individual
feedback, and ways for schools, school boards
and community leagues to participate.
Relationships are critical. Kent McMullin
was president of the Ermineskin Community
League when EPCOR developed dry ponds
in Ermineskin and the adjacent Steinhauer
neighbourhood. “EPCOR managed
expectations in a professional manner,”
says McMullin. “We all understood the need
as soon EPCOR showed us the map of
Even still, the community did express concern
that the plan called for the removal of a
popular toboggan hill. So EPCOR adapted
its plan, salvaged the treasured hill and even
added a smaller new hill.
“Instead of a plain 昀氀at 昀椀eld,” says McMullin,
“now we have a contoured bowl, landscaping
and multiple toboggan spots. The younger
kids slide down into the dry pond and the
older kids go to the hill by the southeast
corner of the school. It happened through
communication.”
“SIRP is a changing of the conversation,”
says Susan Ancel. “It used to be about green
versus grey infrastructure, with people
thinking green, like a dry pond, was not as
reliable as the grey, such as pipes. With SIRP,
we made green our SLOW strategy and gray
the MOVE strategy, and connected them
to SECURE, PREDICT and RESPOND. It’s a
unique strategy and it’s here in Edmonton.”
Dry ponds are proving to be cost-ef昀椀cient,
low-impact, community-oriented and futureforward. “I’m really proud of the work we do
on dry ponds,” says Dawn Fenske. “I feel like
we’ve made a difference.”
For more
information
on EPCOR’s
sustainability
journey,
please visit
EPCOR.com/esg.
WATER C AN ADA • JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2024
15
