Mud Creek channelling unique approach to infill development
Mud Creek in northwest London, Ont., east of Wonderland Road along Oxford Street is an area that has been left vacant for decades.
But a new channelling project and new classification for the floodplain means almost 4,000 residential units will be able to be built on the 56-hectare parcel of land.
“This Mud Creek project has been going on for over 15 years. I personally have been involved in it for most of that time. And we've always known that this area was unique and that it needed something more innovative than the other areas,” said Shawna Chambers, division manager in Stormwater Engineering with the City of London.
Mud Creek will be widened to 60 metres and channeled to a depth of 2 metres, which will run from the CN tracks north of Oxford Street, then south to the CP tracks.
“When the whole project is done, basically from CN rail to CP rail, which goes to the same track, there’ll be over two kilometers of walking trail for the residents in that area,” Chambers said.
On Tuesday, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) and City of London collaborated on a new two-tier floodplain for the new developable land.
According to UTRCA Board Chair Brian Petrie, this is a first for the City of London.
“Traditionally, there's only one floodway. This approach signifies that there is a larger floodway. Then there's fringe areas on it that are less risk to having some development in them. They still have to be reviewed and make sure that they're safe. But that opens up possibilities for development, where at one time it may not have been possible,” he said.
There are several developments planned, the largest being from Esam Group, where 3,800 residential units have been proposed. The highest being a 24 and 22 story apartment building along Oxford Street, transitioning to townhouses to the north.
“As we develop in the City of London, the need for housing. It gives us further opportunities. It prevents flooding in this area,” said Ward 9 Coun. Anna Hopkins.
There are several other smaller developments in various stages of the planning process.
Esam Group will be bringing their plans to city council this summer.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Celine Dion delivers stirring comeback performance at Paris Olympics opening ceremony
Against the rainy Paris night sky, Celine Dion staged the comeback of her career with a powerful performance from the Eiffel Tower to open the Olympic Games.
Jasper wildfire: 'Several weeks' before residents can return, premier says
Premier Danielle Smith said Friday afternoon in Hinton while weather conditions are cooler, the Jasper fire is still considered out of control and that Jasper residents can expect to be away from their homes 'for several weeks.'
Missing 3-year-old boy found dead in creek in Mississauga, Ont.: police
A three-year-old boy has been found dead a day after he went missing in a park in Mississauga, Ont., Peel police say.
Irish museum pulls Sinead O'Connor waxwork after just one day due to backlash
An Irish museum will withdraw a waxwork of singer-songwriter Sinéad O'Connor just one day after installing it, following a backlash from her family and the public, it told CNN in a statement on Friday.
Winnipeg senior's account overdrawn for $146,000 water bill
A Winnipeg senior is getting soaked with a six-figure water bill.
FBI says Trump was indeed struck by bullet during assassination attempt
Nearly two weeks after Donald Trump’s near assassination, the FBI confirmed Friday that it was indeed a bullet that struck the former president’s ear, moving to clear up conflicting accounts about what caused the former U.S. president’s injuries after a gunman opened fire at a Pennsylvania rally.
Driver charged after flashing high beams at approaching police
Orillia OPP arrested and charged a driver with impaired driving after flashing their high beams.
Turpel-Lafond won't sue CBC over Cree heritage report that took 'heavy toll': lawyer
The lawyer for a former judge whose claims to be Cree were questioned in a CBC investigation says his client is not considering legal action against the broadcaster after the Law Society of British Columbia this week backed her claims of Indigenous heritage.
Major Canadian bank experiences direct deposit outage on payday
Scotiabank says it has fixed a technical issue that impacted direct deposits on Friday morning.