The Sullivan’s Pond stormwater system conveys stormwater from Lake Banook/Sullivan’s Pond and the upstream watershed to Halifax Harbour. In 1971 Hurricane Beth flooded most of downtown Dartmouth.
In 1972, in order to help reduce future flooding events and protect public and private property, the current piped stormwater system was constructed from Sullivan’s Pond to the Harbour. This stormwater system is now essentially at the end of its service life.
Halifax Water project staff has been meeting with various community members throughout the design and pre-construction stages of this project, and community consultation will continue. Halifax Water appreciates your support and collaboration as it carries out this important infrastructure renewal project in your neighbourhood.
Project Newsletters:
All project newsletters below will open a PDF document.
In 2015, following extensive consultation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, as well as feedback from the community, a system of engineered open channels was recommended.
This system of engineered open channels will provide for a mandated fish passage, while still providing a stormwater system designed to handle stormwater flows associated with a 1 in 100-year storm event. The term “100-year storm” is used to define a rainfall event that statistically has this same 1-percent chance of occurring in any given year. This has been adjusted to account for climate change.
In spring 2017 a final design was completed and a public tender was released and awarded to Dexter Construction. The Sullivan’s Pond Storm Sewer Renewal Project is budgeted at just over $11.6 million, with $6.3 million coming from federal/provincial funding, if the project is completed by March 2018.
PHASE 1
Beginning in late July construction of Phase 1 of this project will replace 290 metres of deteriorated storm sewer from Sullivan’s Pond to approximately Irish Town Rd.
Two permanent sections of engineered open channel are included in the Phase 1 final design allowing you to view the open water. Approximately 40 metres at the outlet of Sullivan’s Pond and approximately 61metres on the south side of Ochterloney St.
Construction for Phase 1 is scheduled to begin in late July 2017 with main construction wrapping up in December 2017. Crews will return in spring 2018 for minor reinstatement work.
TRAFFIC
In order to construct an underground bridge, it is anticipated Ochterloney St. from Crichton St to Prince Albert Rd. will be closed from approximately mid/late August – December. Public notification will take place in advance of this street closure. Traffic control personnel and signage will be in place throughout the street closure to help guide motorists around the work zone.
LAKE BANOOK AND MICMAC LAKE
In order to safely complete this work the contractor will be lowering the water levels in Lake Banook and Micmac Lake as early the week of July 3rd. It is expected it will take one to two weeks to lower the lakes to the required level to allow work to safely proceed.
Lake levels in Lake Banook and Lake Micmac will be dropped generally about 1.5 feet but up to 2 feet from what a “normal” level would be.
This level drop falls within what would be a normal/natural low level experienced during very dry periods of time.
This level will generally be maintained for the duration of the construction project .
The Sullivan’s Pond storm sewer must be repaired for both safety and environmental reasons. Halifax Water is committed to sharing information about this project as it becomes available and working with residents to minimize impacts. Halifax Water’s main objectives are:
- Communicate regularly to ensure a smooth process
- Minimize impacts on local residents during construction
- Complete the project to a high standard to ensure efficient, high quality service for years to come
Phase 1 will replace 290 metres of deteriorated storm sewer from Sullivan’s Pond to approximately Irish Town Rd. Phase 2 will replace the lower section from Irish Town Rd. through the intersection of Alderney Dr./Portland St./Prince Albert Rd. Until Phase 2 is completed fish passage will not occur.
Phase 1 will replace 290 metres of deteriorated storm sewer from Sullivan’s Pond to approximately Irish Town Rd. Phase 2 will replace the lower section from Irish Town Rd. through the intersection of Alderney Dr./Portland St./Prince Albert Rd. Until Phase 2 is completed fish passage will not occur.
Phase 1 will replace 290 metres of deteriorated storm sewer from Sullivan’s Pond to approximately Irish Town Rd. Phase 2 will replace the lower section from Irish Town Rd. through the intersection of Alderney Dr./Portland St./Prince Albert Rd. Until Phase 2 is completed fish passage will not occur.
The current pipe was constructed in 1972 and has essentially reached the end of its service life. In order to help reduce future flooding events and protect public and private property the current pipe must be replaced.
Two permanent sections of engineered open channel are included in the Phase 1 final design. Approximately 40 metres at the outlet of Sullivan’s Pond and approximately 61metres on the south side of Ochterloney St.
Halifax Water appreciates your support and collaboration as it carries out this important infrastructure renewal project in your neighbourhood. Halifax Water will make every effort to answer questions or concerns; communicate project news early and often; and minimize inconvenience to residents and the local community.