Aldergrove Bowl

Location

4330 Kingsway

Abbotsford, BC

Canada

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Completion date
2005
Site/Building area
Site: 16 ha
Certifications & Awards
  • 2001: Reclamation Award, Gravel Producers Association
Project Team
  • GVRD
  • Nutrifor Program project initiated with East Areas Parks

Summary

Key Sustainability Features

  • The marsh pond (1.7 ha) created by Metro Vancouver is one of the largest wildlife habitat areas in the Lower Mainland
  • Trails for: Walking/hiking (9.5 km), horseback riding (7 km), cycling (7.5 km)

Located in the heart of the Fraser Valley, Aldergrove Bowl is a beautiful and inviting habitat for plants and wildlife as well as a recreation destination for residents. What makes this area a model for sustainable practices is that it is a former gravel pit where biosolids have been used to supplement inadequate top soil to facilitate plant growth and habitat creation. "The Aldergrove Bowl", as it is known, was turned into a natural setting and functional park space with the cooperation of the former gravel pit operators. It is unlikely that it would be as lush as it is today without the use of biosolids. Their use is one of the most notable features of the reclamation project.

Biosolids are the treated organic solids from wastewater treatment plants. They are rich in nutrients and organic matter which help to create healthy, high quality soil necessary for the growth of vegetation. Using Greater Vancouver Regional District biosolids in the project demonstrates a more sustainable, closed system of nutrient cycling. Instead of disposing of biosolids or hauling biosolids to sites further afield, the nutrients and organic matter are returned to nearby land, which can then avoid the use of chemical fertilizers. This saves money and reduces impacts on the environment as less transportation means lower fuel consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. In September 1999 and September 2000, 352 dry tonnes (1,366 bulk tonnes) of biosolids and 1,999 dry tonnes of biosolids compost (4,124 bulk tonnes) was used on the 13.6 ha site.

With the first phase of the project complete, Aldergrove Bowl has already become a popular recreation site for walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians. More than 10,000 native saplings and shrubs, such as hazelnut, western hemlock, and red flowering currant have been planted at this
restored site.

Tours: Open to the public. Hours: From the start of Daylight Saving Time to Labour Day, 8 am to 9 pm. All other days, 8 am to dusk. Closing time is posted at park entrances. Earliest closing time is 5 pm.

 

This post was imported from the 'Greater Vancouver Green Guide', it's part of the 'Green Guide Portal' to the Green Building Brain.