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1. What are the Jumpingpound Creek and Bow River FREC projects?

The June 2013 flooding in the Bow River Basin caused significant damage to the banks of Jumpingpound Creek as well as the West Terrace Pond south of the Water Treatment Plant. For this project, a number of bank stabilization and erosion prevention measures are to be installed within Jumpingpound creek north of George Fox Trail, the west multi-use trail along the creek is to be relocated to further prevent erosion. 

The West Terrace Pond will be expanded into a constructed stormwater management pond, and the path around the West Terrace Pond will be removed and replaced to be able to shift the water treatment plant outfall. In order to accommodate the new outfall from the pond, a larger pedestrian bridge at the West Terrace Pond is required. The new bridge will also be wider to accommodate emergency and maintenance vehicles. 

For the Jumpingpound Creek work, the west bank will be restored, and then stabilized with natural vegetation. Vegetation is also to be planted on the east bank to ensure further bank stability in that area. 

2. Why is this project necessary?

The June 2013 flooding in the Bow River Basin caused the West Terrace Pond south of the Water Treatment Plant to be overtopped, as well as caused significant erosion on the banks of Jumpingpound Creek. Since 2013, further erosion along the banks of the creek has also been noticed. 

The overtopping and sedimentation of the West Terrace Pond in 2013 resulted in the pond no longer being able to operate as originally intended as a stormwater management facility. Flood hazard mapping was completed since 2013, and has determined that a pond in this location must be able to withstand periodic flooding. In order to accommodate future flooding, the pond will be expanded  to serve a stormwater management function. Because of the change in type of pond, the outfall from the water treatment plant is also needed to be modified. The pedestrian bridge was also damaged during the 2013 flood and will also be replaced and include better access for maintenance and emergency vehicles to the area when necessary. 

Work is also required along Jumpingpound Creek due to increased erosion. It was determined that measures should be taken to restore the bank and to prevent further erosion in the area. The construction will also create a bank that supports vegetation growth and creates fish habitat. A segment of the existing multi-use trail also runs along the creek’s eroded bank. To prevent further erosion of the bank as well as ensure public safety, the trail is to be relocated further west.

3. When will construction take place?

To minimize the impact to nesting birds, removal of the necessary trees and shrubs required for the construction of the new Jumpingpound Creek pathway and the West Terrace stormwater management pond will occur in April. At the same time, some initial planting will occur along the banks of Jumpingpound Creek. Construction of the West Terrace stormwater management pond will begin in late spring / early summer. Due to regulatory requirements, all construction within Jumpingpound Creek must take place between July 15th and September 15th. All work, including the Jumpingpound creek pathway relocation, West Terrace stormwater management pond construction, the water treatment plant outfall, and the west terrace pathway construction, is to be completed prior to November 30, 2022. Updates will be provided during construction regarding pathway closures.  

4. Will there be any disturbance to traffic routes?

No substantial disturbance to traffic routes are expected. All construction vehicles are anticipated to be parked outside of road right of ways. 

5. Will there be alternative pedestrian trails?

During pathway closures, signage and clearly marked pedestrian detours will be available.

6. During pathway closures, signage and clearly marked pedestrian detours will be available.

During construction, the southern portion of the pathway adjacent to Jumpingpound Creek will be closed intermittently beginning in April. As well, during construction of the West Terrace wetland, the path surrounding the existing pond will be closed.   To ensure public safety while construction is occurring within Jumpingpound Creek, swimming and other water activities will be prohibited in the area. Updates will be provided during construction with respect to pathway closures and restrictions surrounding water activities. 

7. What environmental considerations and protections are being put in place?

The Jumpingpound Creek and the West Terrace Pond are both rich habitats for local wildlife. The Town has completed consultation with the relevant government agencies regarding the work at the Jumpingpound Creek and the West Terrace Pond. Documentation of the approvals received will be onsite while the work is ongoing.  

For both sites, erosion and sediment control measures will be installed to prevent run off. Both sites will have bird sweeps conducted to ensure any nesting birds are not disturbed during the bird nesting window between April 15^th and August 25^th. 

For the Jumpingpound Creek, trees to be removed have been identified and approved. Where possible, trees will be protected in place. Turbidity monitoring will be conducted in the creek during the instream works to prevent turbidity going above the regulatory limits. Turbidity, or the amount of suspended particles in water, is measured and limited to prevent harm to fish. Instream monitoring will be conducted throughout all work occurring within the water. A turbidity curtain around the instream work will be installed and the fish within this curtain will be safely relocated outside the construction area to protect them during the work. 

8. Will my taxes go up because of this project?

This project is funded through grants as part of the province’s Flood Recovery and Erosion Control Program, so taxes will remain unaffected.  

9. Which neighborhoods will be affected by this construction? How will they be notified?

The neighbourhoods of Crawford Ranch, Bow Meadows, West Terrace, and West Valley may experience increased construction noise during working hours. Notices will be provided to homes and businesses surrounding the construction areas, and further information will be available on Cochrane.ca and site signage. 

10. How will the construction company minimize disturbance to residential areas?

To minimize disturbance to residents, construction work will take place within the hours stated in the Town of Cochrane’s Noise Control Bylaw. If required, exemptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis through the process stated in the Bylaw.

11. Will we receive updates of the construction progress?

Construction updates will be provided through Cochrane.ca/projects.  

12. Who can we reach out to regarding construction concerns?

Contact information will be displayed on construction site signage for any questions or concerns from the public.

13. How/when will this affect pond access and recreational activities?

During construction, the southern portion of the pathway adjacent to Jumpingpound Creek will be closed intermittently beginning in April. As well, during construction of the West Terrace stormwater management pond, the path surrounding the existing pond will be closed. To ensure public safety while construction is occurring within Jumpingpound Creek, swimming and other water activities will be prohibited in the area. Updates will be provided during construction with respect to pathway closures and restrictions surrounding water activities.