Park Sustainability

From the outset, the master plan for the campus was conceived with the goal of achieving the principles of sustainable design by integrating various techniques to enhance the quality of the environment, manage stormwater runoff and conserve energy and resources. The master plan for the park was developed with the goal of avoiding disturbance to areas of the site that presently support a forest community. In response, no facilities are proposed to be implemented along portions of the eastern edge of the site. Several ponds and wetlands have been created to manage stormwater runoff in addition to providing aesthetic and recreational benefits.

A comprehensive planting program is proposed to be implemented to restore areas of the site to natural cover and enhance the extent of the overall tree canopy. A number of innovative techniques are proposed aimed at achieving a full range of sustainability objectives, these include:

• Harvesting and reuse of rainwater to supply water for irrigation purposes;
• The integration of a green roof on the chalet building;
• The use of stormwater to supply water for the snow making system;
• Extensive planting over the parking lots to minimize urban heat island effect;
• The use of low water consumption plumbing fixtures in the chalet and washroom buildings;
• The use of energy efficient lighting and control systems for buildings and parking lot areas;
• The use of permeable surfaces for several of the parking areas; and
• Provision of parking areas to accommodate buses, again to encourage an alternative means of transportation for visiting teams during tournaments.

The plan for the campus also incorporates nature trails with interpretive signage as a means to heighten public awareness of the sensitivity of the environment of the park and its surrounding landscape with the objective of encouraging responsible behavior and fostering community stewardship.