Construction has been scheduled to begin mid-July on a significant upgrade within the Bowmanville Valley Conservation Area that is aimed at protecting Bowmanville Creek.
With half-a-million dollar assistance from Ontario government, the Hetherington Drive Stormwater Outlet Improvement Project will also enhance stormwater management and support future growth in the community, said a municipal statement.
Originally constructed in 1972, the stormwater outlet will undergo extensive upgrades to improve water quality and local ecosystem health. Key improvements will include:
- Installation of a new oil grit separator to filter pollutants such as oil, grit and debris.
- Enhancements to the existing outlet swale to slow stormwater flow, improve natural filtration and reduce contaminants before water is released into Bowmanville Creek.
In addition to the stormwater upgrades, the Region of Durham also plans to relocate some 20 metres of watermain along Hetherington Drive to ensure long-term stability within the water system.
Trail and Traffic Impacts
To minimize disruption during construction, the Clarington will maintain access for residents and trail users wherever possible:
- The Bowmanville Valley Trail will remain open for most of the construction period, with only brief daytime closures for specific activities such as material deliveries or restoration. Any closures will total no more than five working days, with the trail reopened and cleared at the end of each workday.
- Hetherington Drive, east of Lawrence Crescent, may be temporarily closed to through-traffic but will remain open to local traffic, with access to homes maintained except for short periods when work occurs directly in front of a driveway or walkway.
- Garbage and recycling collection, deliveries and pedestrian access will continue without interruption.
The project was made possible in part through the Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which provided $509,118 to help cover project costs.
“Investing in local infrastructure is part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario, drive growth, create jobs and strengthen communities,” said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure and MPP for Durham. “This stormwater improvement project is part of our government’s nearly $4 billion investment in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program (MHIP), which is helping enable more than 1,000 homes in the community while keeping Bowmanville Creek clean for local residents.”
“Upgrading the stormwater system means cleaner water flowing into the Bowmanville Creek. That’s awesome news for wildlife, anglers, and everyone who loves visiting Bowmanville Valley. Clarington is truly blessed with some of the most beautiful green spaces in the GTA and we appreciate the Ontario government’s support in protecting that. Improving the stormwater outlet is an environmentally responsible way to better manage runoff in this growing neighbourhood,” said Mayor Adrian Foster.
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