During Phase 2 Engagement we invited you to share your photography of the wildlife at Hanson Ranch.

We received spectacular submissions. Thank you!

Why we are undertaking this project:

The Hanson Ranch Wetland is a constructed wetland type of storm pond built to retain stormwater runoff.

The purpose of a storm pond is to retain stormwater runoff so it can be released more slowly to receiving water bodies. Currently, water from West Nose Creek and stormwater can mix without any control of runoff into West Nose Creek, resulting in greater runoff and erosion within the creek.

The improvements are needed to permanently separate this constructed wetland type of storm pond from West Nose Creek, enabling the constructed wetland to retain stormwater and improve water quality before its release to West Nose Creek. The improvements also add wildlife features such as islands, cobble piles, snags / coarse woody debris and include a greater diversity of native vegetation including wetland species, wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs.

Since it was initially built, the Hanson Ranch storm pond has deteriorated through natural processes such as wind and wave erosion as well as sediment movement and settling within the pond and West Nose Creek that have resulted in it not functioning as designed. Because of this, the storm pond is not compliant with environmental regulations.

In consultation with municipal, provincial, and federal regulators, we’re undertaking a redesign to improve the facility and meet regulatory requirements.

Project Outcomes and Improvements:

• Protect the creek and the surrounding environment to meet regulatory requirements.

• Support stormwater storage and release water to West Nose Creek in a controlled way.

• Improve quality of water leaving the storm pond.

• Reduce stagnant water to minimize the risk of odor issues.

• Restore and enhance wildlife habitat.

• Improve constructed wetlands to help offset wetland losses.

• Reduce the risk of future damage due to environmental degradation, thus keeping maintenance needs and costs as low as possible and minimizing community impacts.

• Continue to occupy a similar footprint and blend into the natural environment.

• Provide access to the area and improve amenities such as pathways and benches.

We have made progress towards meeting the environmental regulatory requirements to improve the Hanson Ranch Wetland. This means the project is ready to move to Phase 2 Engagement, where you get to have your say!

In Phase 1, we heard:

• Community desire to be involved in selecting features and materials for the site, once regulatory requirements have been met.
• How important wildlife habitat protection is to the community.
• How the pathway conditions, connectivity and accessibility need improvements.
• How maintaining a natural setting (as opposed to a functional only site) is desired.

You can view the full Phase 1 What We Heard Report here.

The project team have worked on proposed design concepts to ensure we are delivering what the community wants and values the most.

We are presenting a variety of public realm features, amenities and materials in our survey below for you to tell us your preferences and share your ideas.

Your feedback will be compiled into a report and shared with the project team ahead of the final design.

We value your participation in our combined effort to improve the Hanson Ranch Wetland to a fully functioning and visually appealing site for the community to enjoy.

Please note that the final design concept will consider a balance of factors including community feedback, site constraints, environmental impacts, operations, and financial consideration.

The photographic images included with the plans below are considered “precedent images,” which means they are a representation, showing elements that are similar to what you might see in the finished design. Keep in mind the final elements are not likely to look exactly like the images shown here.

These are concepts only and the final project is subject to change.

A What We Heard Report for the second phase of our engagement process will be available by December 2024 and published on this page.

The feedback gathered as part of the engagement, along with results of technical analyses, will be used to guide the final design of the public realm elements, which will be revealed in Phase 3 Engagement next year.

Provincial and federal regulatory approvals will be submitted ahead of procuring a construction contractor. Once initiated, it is anticipated construction will take about two years to complete. After construction, the site will be monitored and maintained in collaboration with the contractor for another four to five years. The City will provide ongoing maintenance at the site thereafter.

We are grateful for all the great feedback and conversations we have had so far in the community, and we look forward to advancing this project.