Irving Oil Fieldhouse Wetland Enhancement
The Glenn Group was engaged to assist in the master planning of the 50-acre Exhibition Grounds in Saint John, a site challenged by its location within a floodplain. Leveraging innovative environmental solutions, we devised a plan to enhance an existing wetland, creating additional stormwater detention capacity using natural systems of ponds and wetland plant communities. This approach supported the development of the proposed $27M Field House, a future double rink, and potential commercial or residential projects. The enhanced wetland also features amenities such as a boardwalk and bridge designed to resist potential flood lift, a perimeter nature trail, a duck blind, interpretive signage, a kiosk, weirs, culverts, berming, and planting with native species to encourage biodiversity.
Our involvement began with conceptual planning for the wetland and proposed Field House location, including a stormwater assessment, comparisons between natural detention and engineered solutions, cost estimates, and a phased development strategy. We collaborated with the Provincial Environment Department to gain approval for this innovative approach, which was lauded as a model project, and worked with the City Engineering Department to integrate it into their stormwater management framework.
Our services progressed to include phased construction documents, tendering, and contract administration in partnership with a project management firm. The scope later expanded to include additional parking improvements at the Exhibition Grounds and the design/build of a natural playground for the YMCA daycare, a tenant of the site.
The wetland project required precise timing, with construction occurring in winter when soils were firm enough to support heavy equipment. The existing wetland, which had been used as a dumping ground for years, demanded special attention during excavation and restoration. Laydown areas for the Field House and site construction were strategically planned to minimize disruption. Collaborating with ACAP Saint John, we developed an interpretive strategy and water quality monitoring plan to meet federal Green Infrastructure funding requirements.
The transformation was dramatic. Within two months of completing the wetland ponds and backslopes, the site became a thriving habitat for wildlife. Local residents, initially concerned about the project, now enjoy access to the picturesque nature trail and recreational facilities. Once a poorly draining dump site with limited biodiversity, the area is now an accessible and vibrant natural environment.
This project was the first in Atlantic Canada awarded funding under the federal Green Infrastructure program, receiving over $1,500,000 to implement an innovative stormwater management strategy. By enhancing the natural wetland within the floodplain, we not only improved the environmental quality of the site but also created a recreational and educational asset. This approach provided a cost-effective solution at a fraction of the expense of a traditional engineered system.
Looking ahead, we are developing plans to add the twin rink pad envisioned as part of a later phase of the Field House project.