WC148 MayJune 2026 - Magazine - Page 25
PROJECTS IN THE FIELD
Advanced Drainage Systems
When managed and treated properly, stormwater runoff can also be used to recharge aquifers across
Canada. Aquifers are a vital source of drinking water
for many parts of the country and recharging them is
essential for maintaining the health of our water supply.
3. Adopt a blend of resiliency and sustainability
Approach every project as an opportunity to build
resilient and sustainable infrastructure for stormwater
management. This means choosing stormwater management solutions designed to provide long-term value
and rapid recovery when time is of the essence, as well
as contributing to achieving sustainability goals.
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
A RECENT STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROJECT from Quebec City
illustrates how municipalities can take an evolved approach to stormwater
management. During phase one of the redevelopment of Quebec City’s Fleur
de Lys, part of the mall was torn down to create ground floor commercial
and residential space on the building’s remaining stories. In addition to the
building’s redevelopment, the parking area needed to meet Quebec City’s
new standards for green space. For stormwater runoff from the parking lot
and surrounding roadways, it was determined that a system would be needed
to retain water until the storm sewer system could handle the flow.
As part of the design for the retention system, five different underground
chamber beds constructed from plastic polypropylene chambers and highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) pipe were created to retain 3,500 cubic meters
of stormwater. These types of chambers can manage large volumes of
stormwater and provide a high level of sediment removal and quality control,
all while using far less land than traditional detention ponds or open basins.
Additionally, as these chambers are installed underground, it saved valuable
land that could be used for green space and removed costly liability and
maintenance problems for landowners. This is an especially valuable benefit
in urban and high-density environments where land is limited and costly.
WATER C AN ADA • M AY/JUNE 2026
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