A little oasis is coming to some schools in Mississauga

 

Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) received funds to build a little oasis for select schools in Peel.

According to a release, the CVC received nearly $100,000 from the government of Canada’s Federal Department of Environment and Climate Change through the EcoAction Community Funding Program to build six rain gardens at local schools.

The funding allows CVC to plan, design and install six rain gardens within a short three-year window, reducing the overall cost per project.

According to a release, a rain garden is a shallow area planted with shrubs, flowers, and grasses.

It slows down, soaks up and filters rainwater coming from nearby rooftops, driveways, and parking lots before flowing into the stormwater system.

The release also says that rain gardens help to keep our streams, rivers, and lakes clean while also beautifying neighbourhoods and reducing localized flooding.

“We’re grateful for Environment and Climate Change Canada’s EcroActon Community grant,” says Deborah Martin-Downs, chief administrative officer for CVC. “These rain gardens will help reduce pressure on municipal stormwater systems, improve school grounds and build climate change resilience.”

CVC has already started to implement this at five of the six schools (Janet I. McDougald Public School, Mineola Public School, Credit Valley Public School, Whitehorn Public School in Mississauga and Belfountain Public School in Caledon.)

The CVC is currently investigating the sites and taking soil samples to determine the best spot for the rain gardens.

The remaining Peel public schools will be announced next year.

CVC says it’s building on the success of school rain gardens installed at Glendale Public School in Brampton and Kenollie Public School and Allan A. Martin Senior School in Mississauga.

“The benefits of rain gardens extend beyond stormwater management,” says Phil James, manager of integrated watershed management for CVC.

“Rain gardens are great outdoor classrooms and help teachers bring the curriculum to life. Students will help test soil, select plants and plant them, monitor for biodiversity and care for the gardens.”

The rain gardens will also provide the surrounding community with additional green space and are a demonstration of landscaping techniques that local residents and businesses can take on to help communities adapt to climate change.

To learn more about green infrastructure and low impact development, like rain gardens, click here.