Stormwater Management and The Wetlands

The Town of Coalhurst remains active in pursuing and completing upgrades to the stormwater management system to minimize the impacts of overland flooding and protect existing public and private infrastructure. Since the completion of the Stormwater Management Plan in 2017, the Town has received Provincial and Federal Grants to complete identified stormwater projects.

Phase 1: Complete

The first phase of the stormwater management plan was to complete a stormwater outfall line to the Oldman River. This phase was completed in 2020. The project was originally budgeted at $4.1 million and was completed, under budget, at a cost of $3.7 million.

Phase 2: In-process

The Town of Coalhurst is currently near the completion of the Main Wetland Storage facility. This facility is designed for stormwater retention and treatment before stormwater is discharged to the Oldman River. The wetland is designed as a naturalized pond which will settle out solids and sediment from stormwater and improve the water quality naturally before the stormwater is sent back to the environment. Water levels will be variable in the wetland to meet storage requirements for potential storms. This phase of the Stormwater Management plan started with a budget of $5.1 million but is currently projected to be under budget at just over $4.8 million.

Funding for both projects has been completed with funding from:

• Alberta Communities Resilience Program ($1.7 million)
• Building Canada Fund: Federal Government ($3 million), Provincial Government ($3 million), Town of Coalhurst ($3 million.)

Over the coming years, there will be more phases for additional storm retention ponds and storm trunk connection piping located within the existing portions of town, as well as in future subdivisions.

Click on the image below to zoom in on the map:

Next Steps

Town Council wants to hear from you! The land around the stormwater management system (The Wetlands) has the potential for new amenities in the community!

Opportunities to provide feedback on the future use of The Wetlands include:

• Attending the Public Open House on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, between 5:00 and 7:00 PM at the Town Office.
• Completing the Online Engagement Form.
• Filling out The Wetlands Community Engagement Form at any time (between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM) at the Town Office.
• Printing The Wetlands Community Engagement Form at home and providing it to the Town Office.

The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback up to April 1, 2023.

FAQ

What is the main purpose of stormwater ponds?

Stormwater ponds are designed to collect water that runs off the streets and land in Coalhurst. The wetlands are designed as naturalized ponds which will settle out solids and sediment from stormwater and improve the water quality naturally before the stormwater is sent back to the environment.

Can you fish, boat, swim, or skate on stormwater ponds?

No. The water level of stormwater ponds can change at any time depending on the weather and drainage schedules.

Is the water in the stormwater ponds safe? 

No. Stormwater ponds may contain pesticides, fuel, animal feces, and any other material that may flow into the ponds during seasons of natural rain and snow melt.

What are the next steps for The Wetlands?

Town Council will receive the results of the engagement survey and determine the next steps against budget considerations and available funding. The Town of Coalhurst will share the results of the engagement survey with the public.

Will my taxes increase to fund The Wetlands amenities’? 

Town Council will make that decision after they consider the community’s feedback. However, as part of Council’s Strategic Plan to ensure that they “meet community needs while keeping budget in mind” (Pillar A: Goal 2), any decisions on The Wetlands will include considerations of provincial and federal grants, or private sponsorship.