A second retention pond on the grounds of Smartpark will not only help collect and move storm water away from the technology park’s growing number of developments, it will also develop into an urban eco-system.

“The pond will be developed as both a functional wetlands and a storm water retention basin” said Larry Paskaruk, a Director of Property  Management at Smartpark. “Once completed, the second retention pond will look and function just like a marsh or wet meadow with indigenous plants and clean, clear water.”

The pond development is taking place along the western fringe of Innovation Drive and is intended to become a welcome visual and environmental addition to the Fort Garry campus.

The first phase of the retention pond’s development is already underway, with the excavation of the water basin and the installation of necessary storm sewer piping. Once the first phase is complete, estimated to be in December 2009, it will form the second half of the two-pond stormwater retention and control system designed to collect rainwater and snowmelt from all of Smartpark with a controlled slow release of water to the Red River.

Next spring, the second or naturalization phase will take place with revegetation of native plants in the pond and upland seeding of turf surrounding the pond. Within a period of time the pond will grow into a mature wetland, equivalent to a naturalized lake.

The second retention pond is part of the original master plan for Smartpark and is necessary to facilitate the development of new research and technology buildings on the west 50 acres of Smartpark lands; the original retention pond on the east half of the grounds has reached its pre-determined design capacity.

The project is made possible by funding from the federal government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program (KIP). KIP is a federal initiative to renew Canada’s college and university infrastructure. By making large-scale investments in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is providing significant short-term economic stimulus in local communities across the country.

Approximately $32 million of KIP funding has been earmarked for various infrastructure projects at the University of Manitoba.

For more information, contact Leah Janzen, Communications Manager, Public Affairs, University of Manitoba, 204-474-8034.