BONNYVILLE - The Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) has partnered with the MD of Bonnyville and Alberta Low Impact Development Partnership (ALIDP) on a project they're hoping will take root.
Over the course of the summer, those passing by and visiting Vezeau Beach will notice ongoing construction as LICA works on building their first Community Hub Rain Garden, which was described by LICA's Environmental Coordinator, Tricia Fleming, as a green method of managing runoff.
What this means is the spouts from the roof of the Shaw House will be funneled into the garden.
The local organization put a call out to community members after receiving provincial government funding, asking for possible locations for their garden. It was the MD of Bonnyville who was the first to speak up.
Their suggested spot was the Shaw House, located just off of Hwy. 28 on the shores of Vezeau Beach.
“Some of their reasoning was they were planning on completing the development of that area this year, and they felt it would be a great spot to manage runoff because there are occasions where that spot gets flooded and then some of the water gets directed over the newly paved path. They felt it would be a good location to help with water management,” detailed Fleming, adding for LICA, who also wanted the garden to possess an educational-aspect, it was the perfect fit.
“It’s very frequented by people, so it would be great for the educational-component of this garden,” she said. “We want people to understand what rain gardens are and want to encourage landowners, whether they’re private, government, or commercial, to place rain gardens on their own private properties."
In addition to the dollars provided by Alberta's Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program, the MD of Bonnyville provided in-kind work for construction and maintenance of the garden, Madison Rehm, environmental coordinator for the municipality explained.
Fleming said the ALIDP was involved because they're essentially "the experts on rain gardens in the province."
The organization helped map out the garden, choosing certain plants for specific areas.
“Plant selection is a big component of the design. Every single plant species that’s in there and the location they’re in, there’s a specific reason behind it,” explained Fleming. “For example, in the wettest part of the basin, we need to have plants that like water and will survive in water and help absorb that water."
LICA wanted to incorporate plants that naturally occur in the area in order to promote pollinators and help with biodiversity.
But, Fleming noted, "We couldn’t always go with those types of species because we need to look for other things as well to help with the function of the garden."
The garden was also designed to decrease maintenance. Although the first year or so will require a bit of attention, Fleming explained that over time, the plants should basically "take care of themselves."
Construction of the garden itself is still underway, but is expected to finish by the end of summer with items such as edging and educational signs yet to be completed.
“The fence has been placed for deer management, we’re worried about deer getting in, particularly in the first couple of years before the garden gets established, that’s why the fence is there,” detailed Fleming, adding they may have to replace a few plants next year "if they don't make it through the summer" for one reason or another.
“It takes a couple of years for those plants to be fully grown and established, so it might take two-ish years before they’re in their full glory,” she added.
Rehm said, "Through the challenging times we have had these past two years, more residents are looking for parks and green space to enjoy. We are pleased to have been able to preserve many of the park's natural features while adding this contemporary element."
