upper poole creek restoration planmvc.on.ca/.../07/upper-poole-creek-restoration-plan... · 3.0...

June 2019

Upper Poole Creek Restoration Plan

Based on Objectives of

the Upper Poole Creek

Subwatershed Study

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Background of Upper Poole Creek .......................................................................................................................3

2.0 Review of Upper Poole Creek Subwatershed Study Objectives ..........................................................................3

3.0 Upper Poole Creek Restoration Plan ....................................................................................................................5

3.1 Restoration Recommendations .....................................................................................................................5

4.0 Monitoring ............................................................................................................................................................7

4.1 City Stream Watch .......................................................................................................................................7

4.2 Invasive Species ...........................................................................................................................................8

5.0 Stormwater Management Strategy .......................................................................................................................9

5.1 Outreach and Education................................................................................................................................9

5.2 SWM Options for Arena Parking Lot ...........................................................................................................9

5.3 SWM Options for Strip Mall Ditch ............................................................................................................12

5.4 Summary.....................................................................................................................................................13

6.0 Benefits of Stream Restoration on Upper Poole Creek ......................................................................................14

6.1 Riparian Zone Planting ...............................................................................................................................14

6.2 Erosion ........................................................................................................................................................14

6.3 Removal of Blockages ................................................................................................................................14

6.4 Instream Structures .....................................................................................................................................14

6.5 Stormwater Management Strategies ...........................................................................................................14

6.6 Promote Public Awareness and Stewardship .............................................................................................15

7.0 Summary ............................................................................................................................................................15

Appendix A - Detailed Summary of Progress of Upper Poole Creek Subwatershed Plan .......................................16

Appendix B - Site Descriptions ................................................................................................................................19

Site 1 .................................................................................................................................................................19

Site 2 .................................................................................................................................................................19

Site 3 .................................................................................................................................................................20

Site 4 .................................................................................................................................................................20

Site 5 .................................................................................................................................................................21

Site 6 .................................................................................................................................................................21

Site 7 .................................................................................................................................................................22

Site 8 .................................................................................................................................................................22

Site 9 .................................................................................................................................................................23

Site 10 ...............................................................................................................................................................23

Site 11 ...............................................................................................................................................................24

Site 12 ...............................................................................................................................................................24

Appendix C – Stormwater Management Strategies and Calculations ......................................................................25

Swale and bioretention/rain garden at Johnny Leroux Arena Parking Lot .......................................................27

Enhanced Grass Swale at Strip Mall ................................................................................................................28

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Actions completed and not completed from the objectives of the Subwatershed Plan (2000) ....................4

Table 2. Recommendations to Restore Upper Poole Creek and Meet Subwatershed Study Goals ...........................5

Table 3: Description of monitoring activities at each site show in Figure 2 below. ..................................................7

Table A1. Progress of goals created in the Upper Poole Creek Subwatershed Plan in May 2000, and outstanding

actions. ......................................................................................................................................................................16

1.0 Background of Upper Poole Creek

Upper Poole Creek (UPC) is one of few cold or cool water streams in the City of Ottawa. Its headwaters originate

in the Upper Poole Creek Wetland Complex - a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). The Upper Poole Creek

flows north-east through the Village of Stittsville and drains into the Carp River.

The temperature of the Upper Poole Creek fluctuates along its length changing from a warm water system at its

uppermost section into a cool water system as it flows through the Jonathan Pack Street area, remaining cool

from Main Street to the Amberwood Golf and Country Club; then returning to a warm water state from the golf

course until its confluence at the Carp River.

The Upper Poole Creek Subwatershed Study (UPCSWS) was completed in May 2000 to identify potential impacts

of development pressure on the subwatershed.

The purpose of this report will be to review the original objectives of the UPCSWS and provide a work plan to

meet the restoration objectives set forth in the UPCSWS. This restoration plan deals specifically with the area

between West Ridge Drive and the pedestrian bridge located just downstream of Main Street in Stittsville.

2.0 Review of Upper Poole Creek Subwatershed Study Objectives

The purpose of the UPCSWS was to acquire an understanding of the subwatershed in its entirety, and to prepare

a plan that would maintain and enhance a healthy ecosystem while development proceeds. Two overarching goals

were identified:

Goal 1: “The subwatershed plan is to seek to maintain a cold to cool water aquatic habitat. Continued presence of

the Mottled Sculpin shall be regarded as an indicator of this goal. The Brown Trout program will be continued for

its historic and symbolic value.”

Goal 2: “The subwatershed plan is to seek to extend the existing pathways to make a pedestrian connection

between Poole Creek and the upstream provincially significant wetlands. Opportunities to produce an interpretive

and educational experience should be investigated, while observing the constraints necessary to protect important

habitat and significant species.”

Not all of the objectives initiated by the Upper Poole Creek Subwatershed Study have been completed to date.

Table 1 summarizes the completed and outstanding work. A detailed summary of the objectives of the

Subwatershed Plan can be found in Appendix A.

Table 1. Actions completed and not completed from the objectives of the Subwatershed Plan (2000)

SWS Objective Agency

Involvement Has It Been Completed? Work Outstanding

Aquatic Strategy

Buffer and Riparian Plantings City, MVCA Yes - partial More plantings required - mowed

lawns

Instream Structures City, MVCA Yes No

Terrestrial Strategy

Invasive Species Pilot Project City, MVCA No

Invasive species still present in area

Results will be in the 2018 City

Stream Watch Poole Creek

Catchment Report

Wildlife Management City, MNRF Yes No

Monitoring Strategy

Indicator Species MVCA, MNRF Yes - partial Assessment needs to be completed

Fish Community MVCA Yes - partial

Need more sites with regular

monitoring – ongoing action, to be

updated through 2018 City Stream

Watch. Two UPC sites were sampled

in 2018.

Benthic Community MVCA Yes - partial


monitoring. One UPC site was

sampled in 2018.

Water Quality and Stream

Temperature MVCA Yes - partial


monitoring. One water quality site

and two water temperature sites

were monitored in 2018 in the UPC.

City Stream Watch MVCA Yes Initially completed in 2013. Stream Watch monitoring was expanded and updated in 2018.

Administrative

Volunteer Works MVCA Yes Ongoing action

Public Education City, MVCA Yes Ongoing action

3.0 Upper Poole Creek Restoration Plan

Previous work by Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) on UPC started in 2013 with the Upper Poole

Creek Restoration Plan performed for the stretch of UPC from West Ridge Drive to Stittsville Main Street based

on the objectives of the UPCSWS. This included mapping blockages, areas of erosion, areas needing riparian

plantings, and mapping other areas of concern along the creek.

This report is an update of the Restoration Plan performed in 2013. The following sections are recommendations

for how additional funding could be spent for the restoration and rehabilitation of the creek.

3.1 Restoration Recommendations

A full list of recommendations to enhance UPC is outlined in Table 2. This table was created based on an

assessment of work completed since the original UPCSWS (November 2013) and the UPC Restoration Plan

(December 2013). All of the sites were verified in field and assessed based on their contributions to Goal 1 of the

UPCSWS; maintaining a cold to cool water aquatic habitat. The location of each of these sites can be found in

Figure 1. A photo and a detailed description of each of the proposed sites can be found in Appendix B.

Table 2. Recommendations to Restore Upper Poole Creek and Meet Subwatershed Study Goals

Proposed

Site Main Concern Work Necessary

Is action an

Objective

of SWS?

Land

Ownership

Site 1 Small blockage (slowing flow) Area needs maintenance to improve

flow and reduce blockages Yes Public

Site 2 Shoreline erosion, trail too close to the

creek

Stabilize banks rock or

bioengineering Yes Public

Site 3 Small blockage (slowing flow) Area needs maintenance to improve


Site 4 Erosion, fence falling into creek Stabilize banks with rock or

bioengineering Yes Private

Site 5 Shoreline erosion, trail too close to the

creek

Stabilize banks with rocks or

bioengineering Yes Public

Site 6 Blockage Area needs maintenance to improve


Site 7 Blockage (severely impeding flow)

Beaver Dam

Area needs maintenance to improve

flow and reduce blockages, impeding

fish passage

Yes Public

Site 8 Lack of shoreline vegetation Needs planting enhancements Yes Private

Site 9 Blockage Area needs maintenance to improve




Site 12 Blockage Large downed tree needs to have

sections blocking flow removed Yes Public

Figure 1: Map of sites recommended for restoration as described in Table 2.

Along UPC, there is a section upstream of the pedestrian bridge at Stitt Street Park that has been diverted from

the existing channel into a manmade channel. It was observed that water was pooling over the banks. Sites 10

and 11 are along this section of the creek and have been identified for potential rehabilitation due to erosion. The

Restoration Plan from 2013 recommended channel realignment to bring the creek back to its original state;

however, this would be an expensive process. Instead, the current recommendation is to stabilize the shorelines

along the manmade channel to minimize erosion, specifically at Sites 10 and 11.

4.0 Monitoring

4.1 City Stream Watch

City Stream Watch is an ongoing monitoring program that is performed approximately every five years based on

availability of funding. City Stream Watch is currently funded through grants and funding from the MVCA

Foundation. The last two City Stream Watch cycles for UPC were performed in 2009 and 2013. City Stream Watch

was completed for UPC in 2018. The benefits include better understanding of the aquatic and terrestrial

environment, community involvement in stewardship and restoration, and cost effective acquisition of data

through the mobilization of community volunteers. City Stream Watch assessed water temperature, shoreline

conditions, fish community, and will help with the restoration and rehabilitation of the creek and the shorelines.

Before 2018, the City of Ottawa and MVCA completed separate water chemistry monitoring programs within

Poole Creek, for a total of four sites being monitored. Water chemistry has been monitored monthly during the

ice-free season by MVCA at Jonathan Pack Street, while the City staff monitored water quality at Maple Grove

Road, Stittsville Main Street, and West Ridge Drive. Additional monitoring for water temperature and biological

communities composition have occurred on a multi-year rotational basis by both the City and MVCA. Figure 2

shows the locations of active monitoring sites in the UPC and Table 3 describes what is monitored at each site. To

date there has been little analysis of this data, which is important for monitoring the overall health of the creek.

In 2017, while MVCA continues monitoring at Jonathan Pack Street on a monthly basis, the City has changed the

mandate of their water quality monitoring crew and all biological sampling on Poole Creek has stopped. As of

2018 MVCA has adopted the City’s water chemistry sampling site at Maple Grove, and is maintaining the site at

Jonathan Pack Street. The two other City water chemistry sites (Stittsville Main Street and West Ridge Drive) have

been discontinued to reduce monitoring costs.

The implementation of a City Stream Watch Program in the UPC allows for an effective monitoring regime which

adds detail and context to the results collected by the water quality sampling program.

Table 3: Description of monitoring activities at each site show in Figure 2 below.

Site Number Water Chemistry Fish Sampling Benthic Sampling Temperature

1: Stittsville Main Historic by the City 2018 2018 2018

2: Beside the Arena 2017

3: Johnathan Pack St 2005 - Present

4: Westridge Drive Historic by the City 2018 2018

Figure 2: Map of active MCVA monitoring sites in the Upper Poole Creek area as of 2018.

4.2 Invasive Species

During the field assessments for this plan, which were completed as part of the 2018 City Stream Watch visits to

Poole Creek, notes where taken on invasive species observed along the UPC. These include garlic mustard,

buckthorn, and wild parsnip. Most notably an invasive species called the multiflora rose was discovered along the

UPC trail near Alexander Grove Park. The multiflora rose is native to Asia and can grow in shade or sun, taking

habitat in open areas, forest edges, woodlands, savannahs, and prairies. This perennial, thorny, and scrambling

shrub forms dense, impenetrable thickets that limits access and use of recreational land by wildlife and humans.

Some of the impacts on the creek if the multiflora rose is not dealt with include; displacing native plants that are

essential for the creek, and decreasing biodiversity. It is recommended that every year the multiflora rose be cut

back until it can finally be removed from the site. This action will take 2-3 days over the summer and can be

completed by MVCA staff and volunteers.

The presence and extent of other invasive species directly adjacent to the creek was assessed as part of the 2018

City Stream Watch monitoring efforts.

5.0 Stormwater Management Strategy

Stormwater management (SWM) strategies are used to mitigate the impacts of increased runoff and stormwater

pollution. The measures considered in this study manage runoff as close as possible to the source, minimizing

runoff and distribution with small scale structural practices that mimic natural or pre-development hydrology.

This is achieved through the processes of infiltration, evapotranspiration, harvesting, filtration, and detention of

stormwater.

5.1 Outreach and Education

The Upper Poole Creek Watershed Community Engagement project will be delivered by EnviroCentre in 2019.

EnviroCentre will prepare an outreach and engagement strategy to educate homeowners near Poole Creek on

stormwater issues and practical steps they can take to manage rainwater on their property as well as general

stewardship awareness.

The project will be broken down into three main areas:

1. Research and Planning

- Develop an outreach plan for community engagement in the targeted area (summer 2019)

2. Outreach and Education

- Development of educational materials to be distributed

- Oversee the logistics for any events, booths, or other engagement strategies as identified in the

outreach plan

3. Reporting and Evaluation

- Prepare and submit a summary report for the project and analyze data collected

5.2 SWM Options for Arena Parking Lot

There is opportunity for SWM practices to be implemented for the Johnny Leroux Arena parking lot. Currently,

there is just a grass strip (approximately 130 m) along the parking lot edge which slopes towards UPC. Below are

three possible SWM strategies that can be implemented along this stretch of grass.

Option 1: Bioretention or Rain Garden Facilities (preferred option)

The most effective and optimum SWM option for the parking lot edge is using a bioretention or rain garden.

Detailed information needs to be gathered from the site before choosing and designing the best possible option

(e.g., soil type and bed rock depth). Bioretention and rain garden facilities are amongst highly recommended Low

Impact Development (LID) retrofits that can enhance infiltration rate and reduce the TSS concentration for the

receiving water body (i.e., Poole Creek). The site should be graded (with a combination of grassed swale and

possibly filter strip) in a way to convey the runoff from the parking lot and the road to the SWM facility (adjacent

to the UPC trail entrance). The expected performance of Bioretention and Rain Garden facilities are as follows:

45-85% runoff volume reduction

Up to 90% of TSS removal with adequate pre-treatment

Up to 50% removal of Total Nitrogen (TN)

Up to 90% removal of Total Phosphorus (TP)

Other than the above mentioned benefits of this option, it can also be an aesthetical improvement for the area.

An additional engineering assessment should be completed to review the feasibility of this SWM option, including

testing of the soil, determining the height of the water table and measuring depth of the bed rock. Figure 3 shows

the catchment area for the proposed location of the bioretention/raingarden facility. The total catchment area

has been calculated to be around 1.4 ha which consists of 0.83 ha pavement and 0.57 ha of vegetation (Figure 3).

The preliminary design, following STEP bioretention design workshop, suggests that around 430 m2 of footprint

for a bioretention with 1.5 m total depth (Figure 4) and 0.3 m of possible ponding is required. However, since the

mentioned method is considerably conservative, the flow has been calculated using the rational method as well

and the required foot print of the facility has shown to be around 206 m2, 273 m2 and 469 m2 for 2 year, 5 year

and 100 year events, respectively. The details of the mentioned calculations can be found in Appendix C. Based

on the preliminary design two separate sections of 35m × 5m (350 m2) are proposed (Figure 3) that can store more

than the calculated 5 year event (from rational method). Based on the SWM design guideline (MECP, 2003) an

overflow passage should be considered for larger storm events.

Figure 3: Catchment area for the bioretention facility at the Arena parking lot.

Figure 4: A cross section of different layers of the proposed bioretention facility.

Option 2: Filter Strip

Another possible SWM option for the parking lot edge is a filter strip using a typical level spreader design,

consisting of a level spreader and planted vegetation. The level spreader creates a damming effect, which prevents

stormwater from entering the vegetation until the water level exceeds the height of the spreader. The level

spreader would be 2 m in width and would stretch along the length of the parking lot edge. The vegetation would

be a combination of the existing vegetation and additional plantings to filter out pollutants and promote

stormwater infiltration. It is recommended to plant shrubs in addition to the existing trees. A perforated pipe (100

mm) would be installed in the spreader berm to allow drainage of water trapped behind the berm. The pipe should

be wrapped in a filter sock to prevent native materials from infiltrating the pipe. The location of the pipe will be

dependent on the contractor, but it is expected that due to the sloping of the parking lot, that the pipe will be

located approximately in the middle of the filtration strip. As stated in the Draft Low Impact Development

Stormwater Management Manual (November 2008), the expected performance of the filtration strip is as follows:


Low pollutant removal levels

Low maintenance


testing of the soil and determining the height of the water table.

Option 3: Infiltration Trench

Another option for the parking lot edge is the implementation of an infiltration trench. A two metre wide trench

would be dug up along the 130 m edge of the parking lot and filled in with stones to infiltrate and hold the runoff

from the parking lot. As mentioned earlier, the MOE Guidelines recommend that the infiltration trench should be

1-2 m deep and filled in with 50 mm diameter clean stone. Non-woven filter fabric should be installed at the

interface of the trench and native soil to prevent clogging in the trench. As stated in the Draft Low Impact

Development Stormwater Management Manual (November 2008), the expected performance of a soakaway pit

(which is similar to an infiltration trench) is as follows:

90% runoff volume reduction

High pollutant removal levels

Medium maintenance



Based on aesthetic aspects, higher pollution removal and less impactful construction, Option 1 of a

bioretention/rain garden facility is the recommended option for SWM of the arena parking lot.

5.3 SWM Options for Strip Mall Ditch

There is opportunity for SWM practices to be implemented for the existing ditch next to the strip mall, which is

located just off of Stittsville Main Street. The ditch is 65 m long, shallow and collects runoff from both the strip

mall and its parking lot, which then outlets directly to UPC via a culvert. There are two options to improve the

SWM for this ditch.

Option 1: Infiltration Trench

The first option is the construction of an infiltration trench in the existing ditch. The trench will follow the same

design as the infiltration trench discussed earlier, by being dug 1-2 m and being filled in with 50 mm clear stone,

as per the MOE Guidelines. There are two curb outlets along the parking lot curb where either riprap or a

vegetation strip could be installed as a pre-treatment for the infiltration trench. As stated in the Draft Low Impact

Development Stormwater Management Manual (November 2008), the expected performance of a soakaway pit

(which is similar to an infiltration trench) is as follows:

90% runoff volume reduction

High pollutant removal levels

Medium maintenance



Option 2: Enhanced Grass Swale (preferred)

The second option for the existing ditch is an enhanced grass swale with two check dams that would temporarily

pond runoff to increase pollutant retention and infiltration and decrease flow velocity. The recommendation is to

put riprap at both of the curb outlets and at the top of the ditch slope, to act as a pre-treatment. A check dam

would then be installed downstream of each of the curb outlets (2 outlets, 2 dams). The first curb outlet is

approximately 13 m from the outlet culvert (culvert is at the edge of the parking lot along Stittsville Street and

Warner-Colpitts Lane intersection) and the second curb outlet is 46 m from the outlet culvert. The check dams

should be constructed of non-erosive material, such as wood, riprap, or concrete and then the dams should be

underlain with filter fabric. As stated in the Draft Low Impact Development Stormwater Management Manual

(November 2008), the expected performance of a grass channel (which is similar to an enhanced grass swale) is

as follows:


Low pollutant removal

Low maintenance



Based on lower cost, lower maintenance, and less impactful construction, Option 2 of an enhanced grass swale

with check dams is the recommended option for SWM of the strip mall and its parking lot.

It should be noted that where the culvert outlets to the creek, there is a small trench that is lined with rock. When

on site, there was some erosion noticed in the trench. This is not a priority site for UPC, but if work along the ditch

is to be done, then possible enhancements to the trench could be done at the same time to help minimize the

erosion impacts.

5.4 Summary

The Upper Poole Creek Watershed Community Engagement project will educate homeowners in the Stittsville

area on stormwater issues and provide an opportunity to collect and analyze information from the project. SWM

options and locations were investigated for UPC, including the Independent Grocer on Stittsville Main Street.

However, the bioretention/rain garden and the enhanced grass swale were determined to be the most effective

SWM practices for UPC given the current stormwater management and development in the UPC area.

To summarize, the following SWM options are recommended as priorities for different locations:

Bioretention/rain garden facility for the arena parking lot

Enhanced grass swale with check dams for the strip mall and its parking lot

A map highlighting the location of SWM for the arena parking lot, and the strip mall and parking lot can be found

in Appendix C. Photos of the existing condition of the location of the two proposed SWM options can also be

found in Appendix C.

6.0 Benefits of Stream Restoration on Upper Poole Creek

6.1 Riparian Zone Planting

The vegetative communities that make up the riparian zone directly influence the aquatic habitat and water

quality of the stream. Riparian zones filter sediments and nutrients, stabilize stream banks, slow runoff and

provide wildlife habitat. The areas targeted for restoration lack vegetated riparian zones, leaving the creek

unprotected and vulnerable to degradation. The planting of mixed, diverse native species along the shorelines of

these targeted areas would positively impact the creek.

6.2 Erosion

Stream bank erosion causes an increase in the sedimentation, which can negatively impact the aquatic habitat.

Areas that need extensive work to prevent further bank erosion have been identified. The targeted areas are along

the trail’s path and in landowner’s backyards. Landowner education will help minimize erosion and limit further

damage to properties.

6.3 Removal of Blockages

The removal of beaver dams, fallen trees, large woody debris, garbage, and man-made obstructions (such as

bridges) will help improve the flow of the water in the creek. Obstructions limit baseflow in the creek allowing

water to pool and remain stagnant. Areas with these blockages and little overhead cover cause the water to warm

which could result in excessive algal growth. Large blockages requiring extensive work to be removed have been

identified. There are other sections along the creek with partial blockages that are not impeding flow but could

be removed. These partial blockages can be removed as part of a stream clean-up day.

6.4 Instream Structures

Two lunker structures (cedar boxes placed underwater to enhance habitat for fish) currently exist in Upper Poole

Creek and provide a shaded refuge for fish. Leaving a downed tree root wad and strategically placing woody

debris to provide more cover and habitat is an additional recommendation for UPC. A third lunker box will be

considered for installation in the area behind the arena.

6.5 Stormwater Management Strategies

The implementation of additional stormwater management practices will decrease runoff and stormwater

pollution into UPC. The practices considered in this study will not have a significant impact on the current

development along the creek. Minimizing runoff will reduce the volume and intensity of the stormwater flows to

help the creek maintain its cold to cool water temperature. Additionally, infiltration will remove the nutrients,

pathogens, and metals from runoff before it enters into the creek.

6.6 Promote Public Awareness and Stewardship

Poole Creek is a cool water system. There has been significant investment over the past years to maintain and

enhance this reach of Poole Creek. There has been substantial development and intensification within the

catchment area of UPC. With the help of EnviroCentre, an outreach and engagement strategy will be developed

to educate local landowners on stormwater issues as well as general stewardship awareness. Involving the public

and other agencies will assist in promoting good stewardship practices and maintaining water quality.

7.0 Summary

There is concern that this section of the creek experiences poor water quality and constant changes in habitat

availability for fish and other organisms. The monitoring data collected through the 2018 City Stream Watch

monitoring program will be analyzed and a catchment report will be written in 2019 to assist in addressing these

issues.

Pending the results and recommendations from the Catchment Report, seven actions have been identified to

improve water quality and habitat in the UPC:

Complete several visits with the City Stream Watch program and use results to update targets for

enhancement

Enhancing riparian zones

Stabilizing shorelines

Removing blockages

Implementing strategic erosion control

Implementing Stormwater Management strategies

The successful completion of the actions will help UPC:

Maintain its cold to cool water temperature

Support a diverse aquatic habitat

Provide better flood and erosion control

Improve fish habitat

Improve water flow

Provide effective monitoring, restoration, and rehabilitation of the creek

Manage runoff into the creek

These combined actions will meet the goals outlined in the UPCSWS.

Appendix A - Detailed Summary of Progress of Upper Poole Creek

Subwatershed Plan

Table A1. Progress of goals created in the Upper Poole Creek Subwatershed Plan in May 2000, and

outstanding actions.

Agency

Involvement Has this Action Been

Completed? Work Outstanding

AQUATIC STRATEGY

Buffer and Riparian Plantings (development of tree and shrub cover along the watercourse)

MVCA, City, Private

YES YES

1. An open field area is located immediately downstream of Jonathan Pack Road and represents the area with the least overhead canopy cover

The City and MVCA completed riparian plantings here.

NO

2. Plantings in the buffer, which is being dedicated as part of the West Ridge Development

YES NO

3. Plantings along the trail Some Needs more work, need to limit cutting grass so far beyond trails

4. Plantings on east side of the creek (if permission is received from adjacent landowners)

Some Needs more work, lots of empty spaces lacking cover

5. Remediation - planting of herbaceous cover and shrubs along the banks for 5-10 m upstream and downstream of existing lunker

YES NO

6. Grass cutting should not extend right up to the watercourse, but should stop a minimum of 1 m away from top of bank

NO Ongoing – Outreach and education with private landowners

Instream Structures (create habitat in areas that are deficient in the cold water section)

MVCA, City, MNRF

YES YES

1. Implementation of 3 lunkers MVCA implemented 2 lunkers.

N/A

2. Implementation of 6 point bars

External company implemented two point bars downstream of Main St.

N/A

3. Remediation - modify or eliminate the riffles (wooden weirs should be removed)

Weirs and riffles were modified/eliminated. Two rock vortex weirs and one wooden weir were installed by an external company.

N/A

Fish Community MNRF YES YES

Agency



1. Stocking of Upper Poole Creek with Brown Trout (MNRF) program

MNRF typically stock 500 Brown Trout into Poole Creek every year.

MNRF did not have the stock available for 2018 but they do plan to stock it again in 2019.

TERRESTRIAL STRATEGY

Invasive Species Pilot Project

City, MVCA

NO YES

1. Pilot project establishment: monitor the effectiveness of different measures to control buckthorn, garlic mustard, multiflora rose, and wild parsnip

No action done (March 2005)

Invasive species still present in this area – was assessed during City Stream Watch 2018 and work will be undertaken in 2019.

Wildlife Management

City, MNRF

YES NO

1. Implementation of programs aimed at controlling beaver activity in the reaches below the Upper Poole Creek wetland

The City has taken action to control beaver activity along Poole Creek between Main St. and Jonathan Pack St. (March 2005). MVCA hired external company to remove beaver and dam a few years ago.

NO

MONITORING STRATEGY

Indicator Species

City, MVCA

YES YES

1. Monitoring program to assess the abundance or location of the Mottled Sculpin (ex. Location of the species and quality of habitats that are currently utilized, presence/absence of the species, specific habitats available that are not currently being utilized)

A monitoring project will be developed. Fish, benthic invertebrates, water quality and water temperature parameters monitored after habitat improvement project is implemented to see if there was benefits (2005).

Needs improvements, only the species types and abundances are monitored at three sites. Fish habitat quality and utilization has not been a focus of current studies. No current assessments over time.

Fish Community

City, MVCA

YES YES

1. The overall fish community should be monitored to determine if there have been any changes in terms of composition, numbers and habitat utilization

The City of Ottawa’s Water Environment Protection Program (WEPP) has prepared a monitoring strategy to assess the effectiveness of the aquatic habitat improvements being carried out on Poole Creek downstream of Main St. in Stittsville. Fish community is monitored at one site (Main St.) every year. In 2006 and 2007, the lunker structures

No assessment of whether fish communities have changed over time (important to know for restoration), fish community should be monitored at several spots in Upper Poole Creek.

Agency



were checked to see the utilization.

Benthic Community

City, MVCA

YES YES

1. Implementation of a benthic monitoring program (OSAP or Biomap) to effectively monitor water quality

The City's WEPP undertook benthic monitoring as part of their fisheries/water quality program for Poole Creek in 2001. Monitored the benthic community at Main Street every year until 2016.

Need more regular monitoring at multiple locations of creek. Only 1 site in the UPC was monitored in 2018.

Water Quality and Stream Temperature

City

YES YES

1. Implementation of water quality and stream temperature monitoring program

Monitoring in Poole Creek, downstream from the stormwater management pond outlet is required by developers as conditions of approval.

There is one site in Upper Poole Creek where the City monitored monthly water quality and daily temperature (Stittsville Main Street). MVCA maintains a monthly water quality monitoring site at Jonathan Pack Street, and deployed two temperature loggers in 2018 (at Stittsville Main St, and Westridge Drive). More sites should be monitored more regularly.

2. Region should report on trends and observations on an annual basis, or if this is not possible, then the data should be assessed at about 5 year intervals

The City's WEPP monitored one baseline site (Main St.) in Poole Creek on a monthly basis until 2016.

Need more monitoring at multiple locations, and need assessment of changes over time.

3. City Stream Watch (CSW) stream condition monitoring protocol

MVCA

YES. CSW has been completed on Poole Creek to varying degrees three times (2009, 2013, and the most extensive 2018).

YES. The CSW program will continue to visit Poole Creek on a 5-year rotation.

ADMINISTRATIVE

Volunteer Works MCVA (Technical

Support), City (Liaison)

YES Volunteers have helped monitor (City Stream Watch), helped plant shorelines and remove garbage.

YES This needs to be ongoing

Public Education MVCA (all)

YES Signage has been put into place to promote creek protection.

YES This needs to be checked regularly as signage is prone to vandalism.

Appendix B - Site Descriptions

The priority areas were chosen based on initiatives that could be completed immediately to improve water quality

and fish habitat and to maintain a cold to cool water creek. All proposed actions attempt to minimize any

environmental impacts to the creek and adjacent lands. Most of the actions can be completed by staff and

volunteers; very few require additional resources.

Site 1

This site is City of Ottawa owned. It requires maintenance to improve flow and reduce blockages.

Issues: Blockages in water are impeding flow of water.

Access: Trail (stretch from Main Street to Hesse Crescent)

Plan: Remove blockages.

Action: The blockages will be removed; any woody debris removed will be placed along shoreline (to contribute

to habitat).

Site 2

This site is City of Ottawa-owned. It requires maintenance to stabilize the shorelines and minimize the erosion.

Issues: Pedestrian Trail along the south bank is too close to the water and is eroding the stream banks.


Plan: Potential to stabilize the banks with rock or a bioengineering solution.

Action: Eroding shoreline downstream of Main Street that needs to be stabilized. Access is easy for this site

because it is right along the trail. Area has dense shade and establishing plantings will be challenging.

Site 3






to habitat).

Site 4

This site is a City of Ottawa owned (former Township of Goulbourn) property that is maintained by adjacent private

landowners. The landowners need to be contacted and informed of the purpose of the project.

Issues: Fence retaining rubble is falling into the creek and there is a lack of shoreline vegetation.

Plan: Contact landowners and discuss potential work that could enhance their shoreline.

Action: There is the opportunity for potential work to be completed for this property’s shoreline. The type of work

will be dependent upon the response of the landowner.

Site 5

This site is City of Ottawa owned. It requires maintenance to stabilize the shorelines and minimize the erosion.

Issues: Pedestrian Trail is too close to the water, causing erosion.


Plan: Potential to stabilize the banks with riprap or a bioengineering solution.

Action: There is approximately 10 m of eroding shoreline upstream of Main Street that may need to be stabilized

with riprap by an external company. Access is fairly easy for this site because it is right along the trail. Area has

dense shade and establishing plantings will be challenging.

Site 6



Access: Trail (stretch from Main Street to Jonathan Pack)



to habitat).

Site 7

This site is City of Ottawa owned. It requires maintenance to improve flow and reduce blockages. Beaver Dam.


Access: Trail (stretch from Main Street to Jonathan Pack)

Plan: Remove blockages. No new feed bed visible.


to habitat).

Site 8

This site was specifically outlined in the UPCSWS. This site is a City of Ottawa owned property that is maintained

by adjacent private landowners. The landowners need to be contacted and informed of the purpose of the project.

Issues: Property lawn is mowed to water’s edge; minimal riparian zone; no overhead cover.

Plan: To create a 3 - 4.5 m riparian zone from the water’s edge.

Action: Plant partial sun tolerant, native shrubs with deep roots to stabilize the banks and enhance the riparian

zone along a 40 m stretch. Red Osier Dogwood, Sandbar Willow, Staghorn Sumac, Pussy Willow, Nannyberry and

Highbush Cranberry may be planted 1.5 m apart in 2 - 3 staggered rows.

Site 9





to habitat).

Site 10

This site is City of Ottawa owned. This is where the creek has been diverted to create a man-made channel.

Issues: Lawn is mowed to the edge and the shoreline is eroding.

Plan: Contact landowner and discuss potential work that could enhance their shoreline.

Action: There is the opportunity for potential work to be done for this property’s shoreline. The type of work will

be dependent upon the response of the landowner.

Site 11

This site is a City of Ottawa owned (former Township of Goulbourn) property that is maintained by private

landowners. The landowners need to be contacted and informed of the purpose of the project.

Issues: Landowner’s garden is stretched close to the bank. The bank has destabilized and is eroding into the

creek. Gardening and clearing efforts have extended to opposite bank, accessed by a foot bridge.

Plan: Contact landowner and discuss potential work that could enhance their shoreline.

Action: There is the opportunity for potential work to be done for this property’s shoreline. The type of work will

be dependent upon the response of the landowner.

Site 12

This site is City of Ottawa owned (former Township of Goulbourn). Maintenance is required to remove blockages.

Issues: Downed tree is blocking flow of water.

Access: Trail (stretch between Stitt Street and West Ridge Drive)

Plan: Remove sections of tree that are blocking flow.

Action: There is a point where this downed tree splits into three smaller sections; the three sections can be cut

off (so that they are no longer blocking the flow of the creek) and the main trunk and root wad can remain where

they are (as they provide cover and habitat for the fish, armour the stream bank and deflect flow). The sections

that are cut off can be placed strategically in nearby areas of the creek to add habitat and refuge for organisms.

In the future, if a full inventory of plant species is completed in this area, you could selectively harvest some of

the cedar trees and plant shrubs and other species of trees to enhance the riparian zone and improve erosion

control.

Appendix C – Stormwater Management Strategies and Calculations

Rational Method Flow:

a) Area and Run-off coefficient

Total Area (m2) TA (ha)

13741.07138 1.37411 A (ha) C

Asphalt 0.828081186 0.8 C total

Vegetation 0.546025952 0.1 0.521843

b) Calculating Time of Concertation

Length (m) slope % Tc (min) Bransby-Williams Formula

150 2 7.21

c) Flow and Required storage (City of Ottawa IDF curves)

Flow (L/s) V (m3)

2YR 178.4345 77.19481

5YR 240.1887 103.9111

100YR 416.4365 180.1599

Required Storage:

2 yr I (mm/hr) Q (L/s) V (m3)

5 103.57138 206.46413 61.93924

10 76.805 153.10676 91.86405

15 61.767424 123.13013 110.8171

20 52.031258 103.72159 124.4659

25 45.166974 90.038004 135.057

30 40.043379 79.824385 143.6839

35 36.059254 71.882239 150.9527

40 32.864161 65.512989 157.2312

45 30.239398 60.280661 162.7578

50 28.041083 55.898435 167.6953

55 26.170501 52.169527 172.1594

60 24.557564 48.954221 176.2352

5 yr I (mm/hr) Q (L/s) V (m3)

5 139.764 278.6122 83.58367

10 103.1491 205.6223 123.3734

15 82.72001 164.898 148.4082

20 69.54725 138.6388 166.3666

25 60.28591 120.1768 180.2652

30 53.38729 106.4248 191.5646

35 48.03142 95.74812 201.0711

40 43.74175 87.1969 209.2726

45 40.22155 80.17957 216.4848

50 37.27595 74.30765 222.923

55 34.77144 69.31504 228.7396

60 32.61337 65.01304 234.0469

100 yr I (mm/hr) Q (L/s) V (m3)

5 242.7039 483.8175 145.1452

10 178.559 355.9481 213.5689

15 142.8942 284.8521 256.3669

20 119.9504 239.1149 286.9379

25 103.8471 207.0137 310.5206

30 91.86819 183.1344 329.642

35 82.57856 164.6161 345.6937

40 75.14531 149.7982 359.5158

45 69.05043 137.6484 371.6507

50 63.95411 127.4892 382.4675

55 59.62378 118.8569 392.2277

60 55.89463 111.423 401.1229

STEP work shop method required storage:

27 mm for City of Ottawa (from MOECC Runoff volume control targets for Ontario)

V=A*0.027= 371.01 m3

Bioretention Storage capacity calculation and footprint based on different methods:

Depth (m) Poro Storage Rational

Ponding 0.3 1 0.3 Required V (m3) A (m2)

Mulch 0.1 0.7 0.07 2yr 176.2351963 206.123

Filter Media 0.75 0.3 0.225 5yr 234.0469477 273.7391

Choker 0.1 0.4 0.04 100yr 401.1229062 469.1496

Storage 0.55 0.4 0.22 STEP Total 1.8 0.855 Required V (m3) A (m2)

371.0089272 433.9286

Bioretention layers is Based on Figure 4

Swale and bioretention/rain garden at Johnny Leroux Arena Parking Lot

The images below show the possible location of the swale that will convey the runoff toward the proposed

bioretention/rain garden facility near the pathway to the UPC trail.

View along north of roadway looking west.

View along north of roadway looking west (with the possible location of the SWM facility near the pathway)

View along north of roadway looking east.

Enhanced Grass Swale at Strip Mall

The images below are of the existing ditch next to the strip mall and its parking lot, where an enhanced grass

swale could be installed. The ditch is on City of Ottawa owned lands. The culvert outlets directly to UPC.

View along south of roadway looking west.

View along south of roadway looking east.

upper poole creek restoration planmvc.on.ca/.../07/upper-poole-creek-restoration-plan... · 3.0...

Documents