Project updates and information for the phase 2 project area: Kimberley, Alexandra, and Swift Run Areas

As part of the second phase of the Gravel Roads Drainage Management Project, the intersection of Powell Avenue and Columbia Avenue was identified as a source of significant runoff from the right-of-way (ROW). During rain events, stormwater runoff enters Molin Nature Area from the ROW at the intersection of Powell and Columbia, ultimately flowing overland to the rear yards of private properties along Kimberley Road.

The Gravel Roads Drainage Management Project has identified recommendations for long-term stormwater management strategies that will address stormwater runoff and water quality improvements benefitting the immediate neighboring properties as well as Malletts Creek as a whole. However, until the long-term strategies can be implemented, city staff will install an interim approach to manage stormwater runoff to mitigate overland flow impacting private properties.

The city has developed a short-term stormwater diversion plan for the Molin Nature Area to help reduce runoff impacts on nearby private properties. The plan includes installing several rows of staked straw bales at multiple locations based on ground slope, existing trees, and past observed conditions. The goal will be to help slow and redirect the water away from private property and towards the interior of the Nature Area.

The solution is designed as a low-impact response that can be implemented using existing city resources without major earthwork, heavy equipment, or tree removal. City staff will monitor the effectiveness after rain events and make adjustments as needed. While this is not a permanent engineered solution and may not fully address all upstream stormwater runoff, it represents an immediate and minimally disruptive effort to reduce impacts to nearby properties. A more comprehensive, long-term solution will be evaluated for inclusion in the city’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

Why is this interim strategy being done now?

During rain events, stormwater runoff enters Molin Nature Area from the ROW at the intersection of Powell and Columbia, ultimately flowing overland to the rear yards of private properties along Kimberley Road. Until the long-term strategies can be implemented, this interim approach is being done to manage stormwater runoff and mitigate overland flow that impacts private properties.

How temporary is this interim solution? Is this solution intended to be maintained until the permanent CIP project is completed?

Scope and duration are still to be determined. Staff will monitor the effectiveness of the straw bale installation and adjust as necessary. If the straw bales prove not to be effective at slowing or diverting the water on this site, staff will explore more robust options to manage the stormwater runoff until a permanent solution is implemented. If the straw bales are effective at slowing and diverting the runoff away from private property, the City will maintain them until a permanent or longer-term solution is implemented.

When will the long-term solution be implemented?

A long-term strategy is currently under preliminary design and will be incorporated into the City’s Capital Improvements Plan in Fall 2026. This proposed project will be evaluated with all proposed stormwater-related projects and prioritized as such.

How will this interim strategy be monitored and judge for effectiveness?

This interim strategy will be monitored during and after significant rain events to determine effectiveness. Any in-field modifications that are deemed necessary will be made.