To support the design of the dry pond, a geotechnical investigation is required to determine the soil types that are present below the ground surface. This activity will involve drilling boreholes along 127 Avenue, 129 Avenue, 109 Street and within the Grand Trunk Park and the Grand Trunk Off-Leash Dog Park.
Additionally, about 20 hydrovac excavations will be necessary to locate and identify existing underground infrastructure throughout the neighbourhood. A topographic survey will also occur throughout the project area.
Most work will be completed in public right-of-way, except for the Grand Trunk Park and the Grand Trunk Off-Leash Dog Park. Some excavation locations will be in grassy areas adjacent the sidewalks.
All affected landscaping, pavements, sidewalks and alleyways will be restored to their original condition. Impacted grassy areas will be restored using topsoil and sod.
The activities will involve:
- Excavating using a hydrovac truck
- Drilling boreholes using a truck-mounted drill rig
- Temporary steel plates on roadways, where required
- Backfilling and surface restoration of all test holes
- Surveying
During the geotechnical investigation, residents may experience general noise from the hydrovac trucks, and equipment used for drilling, excavation, and restoration.
The specific footprint and size of the dry pond within the dog park has not yet been determined; however, the facility needs to be designed to accommodate the future LRT alignment, the dog park access road and parking lot. During dry pond construction, we expect to keep a reduced area of the dog park open for use, along with the parking lot.
Traffic impacts
During the geotechnical borehole drilling and hydrovac excavation, some lanes will be temporarily closed. Lanes will be closed as the work progresses and will reopen once the work has been completed in the area. At least one lane of traffic will be maintained at all times.
Some temporary sidewalk closures may be required where hydrovac locations are adjacent to sidewalks. Pedestrians will be directed safely around the work area.
Immediate Dog Park impacts
For the locations in the dog park, the trucks and equipment will need to access the locations from within the park itself. Temporary snow fencing will be installed around the boreholes and equipment during the borehole drilling. The excavated area will be backfilled and restored with a mixture of sand and clay. The fence will be removed and the turf will be restored using the material that was removed prior to the drilling.
All crews are aware of the high use of the dog park and will take extra care and caution to ensure safety for both dogs and dog owners.