Lincoln finally finishes its Konkle Creek Naturalization Project
Published September 28, 2021 at 2:16 pm
After 10 long years, Lincoln is finally finished with its Konkle Creek Naturalization Project. In fact, to make it official, they held a small ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 25.
This project dealt with the ongoing channel erosion issues of Konkle Creek, while at the same time restoring the form and function of the watercourse to the largest extent possible.
Working in tandem with the Active Transportation Advisory Committee, the ongoing project also provided the opportunity to further connect the community through the active transportation network. The natural watercourse design improves future creek stability which limits future maintenance needs and impacts to the natural environment.
The project minimizes impact to existing vegetation and wildlife while improving the respective habitats.
“The Konkle Creek Naturalization Project has been a decade in the making and I am so proud of the many benefits it brings to our town, residents, and the environment,” said Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton.
“Lincoln is a community that prides itself on community connectivity and environmental stewardship, and this project truly exemplifies these values.”
The Town’s CAO Michael Kirkopoulos pointed out it wasn’t just a matter of going in and fixing matters – property had to be purchased to realize the full potential of the project.
“One of the key aspects of this project was the acquisition of property which allowed us to provide a true community space through this naturalized area,” he said. “The new trail supports inclusivity in the surrounding neighbourhood and the whole community, and it ensures that we are providing spaces for residents of all ages and abilities.”
The project began with the construction of a new meandering naturalized creek from Greenlane to approximately 750 metres south of Greenlane. The northern part of the creek was constructed on newly purchased land east of the existing creek.
The final phase involved the stabilization of the existing creek from Meadowood Park and the diversion of flow from the existing creek into the naturalized corridor. It involved backfilling the decommissioned creek channel and replacing it with a pedestrian multi-use trail and a significant amount of new vegetation.
