Kingsview Park Remediation

Key highlights

Lead levels are 20 times the normal norm at the surface, it is far above the acceptable environmental level (Environment Canada).

Phase 1: Semi-emergency erosion

Shoreline rehabilitation in 2016

In 2019 – contaminated areas were fenced

Phase 2: Site capping with clean soil in selected area (30 cm deep)

  • Remediation, cleaning and capping will start at the end of September – the project will be completed late spring 2020.
  • At the time the trees were planted they didn’t know
  • Testing: Last testing was in 1998. Since then, levels have been raised, science has changed, and criteria are more severe for lead
  • No contamination with human being is possible: burned ashes under the soil
  • Fenced areas / non-fenced areas – soil is still contaminated
  • Capping is not decontaminating, it is too difficult to dig in water area
  • Préservation de tous les éléments du parc mais des sections du parc seront élevés pour accommoder le nouveau sol. All but 3 mature trees will be kept. « We are only removing dead or dying trees and replacing the new trees because of the new elevation and because trees are contaminated” = same species, same size, same place. However, NCC is open to dialogue to discuss the replacement of the trees within the fenced areas. The contract has been awarded, can’t change species but we may be able to change the locations.
  • Once capping is done, they will reassess the park 5 years later
  • Capping longevity: 50 to 70 years
  • There is a special process for disposing of the lead – specifications are very detailed especially when it comes to moving the soil to avoid dust. They will limit the movement of particles in the air with a vacuum system. Some areas will be vacuumed other just covered, some excavated to ensure there is a 1ft new soil everywhere.RESIDENTS REQUEST A TIGHT FOLLOW UP TO ENSURE SAFETY OF RESIDENTS, BIKERS, WALKERS, PARK USERS. RESIDENTS REQUEST ADDITIONAL PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN:
    • Residents have learned from the Claridge experience: contractor didn’t respect safety rules during remediation. How do we ensure the contractor respect them?
  • The replacement of invasive trees and plants is not part of the scope of this project
  • What is the broader strategy to manage the ecosystem holistically? CCN is the owner of the land but the city is responsible for site (head lease) – a question remains, who should have tested the soil? the City or the CCN
  • The full decontamination of the site is not planned.
  • Lighting improvement in the park is not part of the scope of the project.RESIDENTS WONDER WHY THEY WERE NOT CONSULTED BEFORE THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED. It is not clear if the streetlights are on NCC land or on City land.  
  • The site is a flood plain – can we raise the level of the land? Flood plains are managed by conservation authorities. If we raise the level of the land, it can have an impact upstream or downstream.
  • It is been difficult to engage and contact the NCC:
    • NCC is working on a community engagement – would like to meet with key stakeholders periodically.
  • NCC not aware that North River Rd is being raised. We need a better coordination between the City and the NCC.
  • If a crime is happening, call 911. By-law infractions: contact NCC Call Centre.
  • Hours of work:  time restriction will be applied, regular work hours and will not work on the weekend.
  • Safety measures:
    • Orange fence visible in the snow
    • Offer a detour
    • Warning signs
    • Temporary light on the fence that would not disturb the ecosystem
    • Residents are worried about the dust: should they avoid the park ?