Skip to main content
Start of main content

Sandy Hill Flood Control Project

Storing stormwater in a community park within a historic neighborhood required a creative solution

  • 4.4M

    Gallons Storage

  • $15M

    Cost

  • 0

    Wet Basements

  • Ottawa, Ontario

    Ottawa, Ontario

Flooding a community with relief instead of water for the first time in decades

For years, residents of Sandy Hill, one of the oldest and more prominent communities in the City of Ottawa, had suffered from chronic surface and basement flooding. With the implementation of a creative stacked stormwater storage facility, residents are enjoying dry basements for the first time in decades with a revitalized park as an added benefit.

Imperceptible to the public, a 3.3 million gallon underground tank manages excess flows from within the sewer system, preventing combined sewage from backing up into basements. A 1.1 million gallon surface water detention area lies over the tank, separated by a sub-drain system of perforated pipes and four foot layer of engineered soil. The grassy pond manages excess stormwater runoff for rare storm events, and can be used as a multi-sport field in the summer and an ice rink in the winter.

Using the park centralizes the flooding solution within the community, reducing the impact to outside areas. The project integrates a significant green infrastructure element within a traditional grey infrastructure system, providing a highly effective flood control function along with significant enhancements to an existing public space.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • City of Ottawa
Award
Consulting Engineers of Ontario Awards, 2010 Award of Merit
Award
American Public Works Association Awards, 2010 Project of the Year, Environment ($5-$25 million)
Award
City of Ottawa Urban Design Award, Public Spaces and Civic Spaces, 2009 Award of Merit
Meet Our Team

Susan Alarcon, Senior Associate, Water

Our team brings valuable water solutions and resources to communities across Ontario, improving the quality of life for everyone living there.

Gregory Chochlinski, Associate

I strive to deliver high-quality results on all projects—big and small—and believe that no detail is too small to be ignored.

Adrien Comeau, Vice President, Water, Wet Weather Practice Leader, Water Delivery Group

Our projects improve the lives of residents in communities across North America—that’s why I became an engineer.
Adrien Comeau Vice President, Water, Wet Weather Practice Leader, Water Delivery Group Read More

Stéphane D’Aoust, Principal, Water

My goal is to provide our clients with the support they need to make informed decisions with respect to water related issues.

James Ricker, Associate, Water

My primary goal is to provide our clients with excellent designs for water that meet their needs and respect their budgetary constraints.

Joe Uglevich, Senior Vice President, Director of Water Project Delivery

My experience has proven that successful teams include technical staff, clients, and stakeholders working together towards a common goal.
Joe Uglevich Senior Vice President, Director of Water Project Delivery Read More

Susan Alarcon

Senior Associate, Water

Gregory Chochlinski

Associate

Adrien Comeau

Vice President, Water, Wet Weather Practice Leader, Water Delivery Group

Stéphane D’Aoust

Principal, Water

James Ricker

Associate, Water

Joe Uglevich

Senior Vice President, Director of Water Project Delivery

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

End of main content
To top