This wetland, pond and stream landscape was constructed as part of the Lakeview Storm system upgrade project. The design has been optimized for the removal of the medium to fine silt particles that predominate in Calgary stormwater. The design features, which include an efficient forebay, biofilter zones, and constructed wetland, form an integrated treatment train, optimized  for fine silt removal and also providing enhanced removal of other pollutants that are not currently regulated for urban stormwater in Calgary (e.g. nutrient, hydrocarbons and BOD).

The environmental design objectives included:

Biodiversity – create diverse self-sustaining systems of soil and plants that are appropriate to the surrounding habitats. Most of the plantings are native species, although a few ornamental non-invasive plantings were considered appropriate for the larger park setting and contiguous residential properties.

Biological Productivity – enhance the variety and density of native flora and fauna.

Contextually Appropriate Aesthetics – create landscape forms that are aesthetically suited to the park landscape, and use such forms to screen the appearance of any needed artificial features. Appropriate aesthetic effect as seen from private residences is an important consideration. In particular, care has been taken in limiting views of the forebay as seen from the residential backyards.  In the third year since construction, the wetland has become a sought-after setting for wedding photography.

Conservation of major existing tree stands – The plan preserves all of the major tree stands in excess of the size that can be feasibly transplanted. Some isolated groups of smaller trees were transplanted to other locations within North Glenmore Park.  Additional tree and shrub plantings were placed to serve several aesthetic and physical functions.

Habitat for bird species – Design in favour of shorebirds, songbirds and duck species present in this area of the Park.  Within the first three year since construction, avian biodiversity is already well apparent.