We are changing parts of Voisin Creek and Borden Creek to restore their natural flow and reduce erosion. We will also upgrade nearby trails as part of the creek restoration work.
The City of Kitchener has hired Matrix Solutions Inc., an engineering consulting firm, to restore sections of both creeks. We are designing a solution that:
- Reduces future flood risks
- Protects and improves water quality
- Addresses erosion
- Protects infrastructure near these creeks
Borden Creek construction is expected to take place in 2028. Voisin Creek construction is expected to begin in 2029 and is estimated to be complete in 2030.
For more information on this project, please read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Erosion in these creeks causes pollution and puts nearby infrastructure at risk.
Voisin Creek’s banks are eroding and putting the sidewalk at risk of collapse. Retaining walls have already begun collapsing into the creek. Erosion at Borden Creek, left unchecked, could cause trees to collapse and trails to wash away. There are water mains and sanitary pipes buried along this creek. If left unmanaged, the stream could expose and damage these pipes.
In 2016, the City of Kitchener Council approved a stormwater master plan. This plan created a strategy to manage stormwater for the next 15 years. Through this plan, we learned that only 25 percent of runoff in the city is managed through stormwater facilities. This means that 75 percent of runoff from heavy rainfall and snow melt flows into storm sewers, contaminating local creeks.
The master plan identified initial concepts for the installation of projects across Kitchener. We consulted city-wide on the stormwater master plan. That consultation met the needs of the master plan. But as we look closer at specific projects, we need to consult further with the community.
The Government of Canada awarded us nearly $50 million through the Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund. Access to this funding means we can make stormwater improvements at a reduced cost to the community. And we can do this much sooner than would have been possible without the funding. We need to comply with funding requirements, which places an extra constraint on these projects.
If you have any questions or comments about the project, please contact the project team at VoisinBordenCreeks@kitchener.ca
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