Transportfan
Senior Member
The report says the pond isn't even natural. So this being a "downtown" intersection, why not just get rid of it?
The report says the pond isn't even natural. So this being a "downtown" intersection, why not just get rid of it?
Unfortunately stormwater ponds are one of the few things you can't just get rid of without aggressive environmental additions that would drastically reduce runoff.
FWIW, a fairly sizable VMC project moving through the planning process:
Liberty Developments, 15-storey office tower + 4 residential towers (14-35 storeys) at Maplecrete Road (so, right across from Expo and the beautiful pond we've discussed lately.).
https://www.vaughan.ca/news/city_page_online/General Documents/Public Meetings/Z.15.021 - PH Notice - Simplified.pdf
There are other solutions such as underground holding tanks, they're just drastically more expensive.
This being the future downtown core of Vaughan, they could spend the money and put in holding tanks and put a public square over them. Ponds just don't fit in here.
Some jurisdictions are adding storm-water features such as this:
Yeah! Hey, Frederick Law Olmsted! Your little reservoir and pond don't fit fit here in Manhattan! This is the city where we have buildings and subways and concrete and squares and stuff! Put your water features in the country, where they belong!
14-35 stories? That's it? *yawn*
Why a yawn? I think its the right size for this newly developing area. Four 25 to 35 story condos (with podiums) and a 14 story office tower replacing a non-descript low-rise industrial park. About the right commercial/residential mix to ensure that there are jobs near the condos (lowering commute time).