Central Parkway Rain Garden Receives 2015 ‘Friends of the Credit’ Award

Last evening, the City of Mississauga was recognized by Credit Valley Conservation for its “support and adoption of innovative stormwater practices” and presented with the 2015 Friends of the Credit Award for the development of the Central Parkway Rain Garden.

“This initiative demonstrated what can be done to creatively use stormwater in an urban setting and supports our goal of creating an environmentally sustainable city,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie. “This is wonderful use of water runoff and is an inspiration to find green solutions that benefit the community.”

“It is wonderful to see this project honoured,” said Ward 7 Councillor Nando Iannicca and Chair of Credit Valley Conservation. “Credit Valley Conservation is one of our partners in protecting our natural resources making this recognition very meaningful.”

“We are fortunate to see the rain garden grow in Ward 4,” said Ward 4 Councillor John Kovac. “It is a privilege to have this award-winning garden as one of the ward’s many outstanding features.”

The City’s Central Parkway Rain Garden uses a creative way of catching and using water runoff.  Rain water is filtered through soil in underground units called soil cells. The water is then provided to the trees above. This new process improves stormwater management in the area while adding to the urban tree cover.

“This project helps to treat stormwater runoff from the roadway and uses it to nourish the plantings in the rain garden.” said Helen Noehammer, Director, Transportation and Infrastructure Planning. “The soil cells underneath the ground help filter the stormwater. Rain gardens provide stormwater management by imitating natural processes to ensure clean water enters our streams, rivers and Lake Ontario, which is the source of Mississauga’s drinking water.”

The rain garden is located in Ward 4 on Central Parkway East, south of Burnhamthrope Road and north of Mississauga Valley Boulevard.

For more information:
Central Parkway Rain Garden – A green way to use water runoff

Credit Valley Conservation
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a community-based environmental organization, dedicated to protecting, restoring and managing the natural resources of the Credit River Watershed. Established by the provincial government in 1954, CVC is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario. As the primary scientific authority for the watershed, CVC works in partnership with municipal governments, schools, businesses and community organizations to deliver locally-based programs.

Friends of the Credit Awards
The “Friends of the Credit” Conservation Awards program has been active since 1986 recognizing those who have made significant contributions to the health of Credit River watershed.