Harbourview Park Infiltration
Swale, District of North Vancouver

When Harbourview Park was being upgraded with a rebuilt entrance and new parking lot, the design included an infiltration swale to help mitigate the impact of pollution on adjacent Lynn Creek, an important salmon bearing stream.

The storm water runoff from the paved surface collects oil and grease from the parking lot as well as zinc, copper and other metals from vehicles using the site. The runoff is directed to the infiltration swale where the custom blended growing medium, Cascade Ecomedia, and the plants growing in this swale treat the hydrocarbons, metals and other contaminants. Suspended solids are filtered out to help keep the creek clear and ground water is recharged by having the rain water infiltration through the swale instead of discharged directly through a pipe.

District of North Vancouver and their funding partner, Port Metro Vancouver, are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability with this initiative that reflects a progressive approach to environmental and infrastructure management.

Landscape Architecture: Sharp & Diamond