Construction finishes up on the City’s third Flood Control Strategy project

Construction has wrapped up in Weaver Park where crews had been working since February on the City of Saskatoon’s (City) third Flood Control Strategy (FCS) project. The playground has reopened, but the new dry storm pond will remain fenced off until fall 2024 to allow the new sod and trees time to establish.

“During intense summer storms, rainwater would pool and cause significant flooding around Cascade Street, Dufferin Avenue and Bute Street intersections,” says Russ Munro, Director of Saskatoon Water. “Now, the water will flow through an upgraded storm sewer system and into the new pond. The pond temporarily stores the water which eventually drains back through the underground pipe system and into the South Saskatchewan River. Outside of major rain events, the pond is dry and enjoyed as recreation and green space.”

The FCS was approved by City Council in 2018 and is aimed at reducing flooding in nine of Saskatoon’s most flood prone areas. Dry storm ponds have since been built in W.W. Ashley Park and Churchill Park, and construction on the City’s fourth FCS project will begin in Brevoort Park South in early 2024. 

Prior to the establishment of the FCS, Saskatoon already had nine dry storm ponds, mostly in neighbourhoods built after 1989 when enhanced storm water infrastructure standards were established.  

The Government of Canada is contributing 40% of the eligible construction costs up to a maximum of $21.6 million toward nine FCS projects. The City is funding the remaining construction costs through the Storm Water Utility Capital Program and revenue generated from storm water utility charges.  

For more information about the FCS, visit saskatoon.ca/floodplan.