Located within the mature neighbourhood of Charleswood, RidgeWood West is rich in existing natural beauty. Qualico Communities thoughtfully designed RidgeWood West to preserve important stands of trees, incorporate naturalized wetlands and plantings and to provide a trail system that integrates with the Harte Trail.
Manitoba’s tall grass prairie once spanned over 6,000 square-kilometers but with agriculture and urbanization, that number has been reduced to less than 15 square-kilometers.
Similarly, since the arrival of the first settlers in Canada, up to 70 per cent of the wetlands that once served as storage for excess rain and snow melt in populated areas has been lost. This loss of natural water storage contributes to spring flooding in Manitoba.
The newly constructed wetlands and native plantings in Ridgewood West, created in partnership with Native Plant Solutions, will help protect the environment for present and future generations.
This approach is part of an emerging land ethic that recognizes the beauty in nature and values the supporting role that sustainable design practices can play in enriching our environment.
Managing storm water and surface run-off
Storm water management is a crucial component of water conservation, watershed health and environmental stewardship. Polluted surface run-off does not pass through a water treatment facility. Rather, when rain water flows and pools, it collects sediment and contaminants while eventually making its way into the groundwater, lakes, rivers and streams within the Lake Winnipeg watershed.
Some common pollutants collected by surface run-off include fertilizer from lawns, fuel from vehicles, detergents, and salt from winter road de-icing. An increase in algal blooms in Lake Winnipeg in recent years has been linked to excess nutrients from both urban and rural sources that enter the lake as run-off.
Creating natural filtration systems
To combat excess water run-off, bio-retention systems have been incorporated into RidgeWood West. Designed by Native Plant Solutions in conjunction with Qualico Communities’ engineering consultants, these bio-retention systems are constructed either as wetlands or shallow low-lying vegetated areas with moisture-tolerant plants.
These plants are native to Manitoba and provide greater benefits than non-native species because they have evolved to thrive in our specific climate and terrain. Many native species have developed longer root systems to reach deeper ground water in our hot summers and to protect themselves during our harsh winters. An example of this is the Big Bluestem, a type of native grass with roots that grow up to five metres in length!
By lining the edges of bio-retention areas with native grasses and plants, the flow of storm water slows as it runs through the roots and is absorbed by the plants. These extensive root systems filter excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous before they reach our rivers and lakes.
Once these bio-retention systems are established, Native Plant Solutions does numerous inspections each year to ensure that they stay healthy. These areas are then turned over to the City of Winnipeg for regular maintenance. However, during this process Native Plant Solutions continues to work closely with the City to deliver assessments and to ensure that the program is successful.
Preventing erosion
Erosion prevention is another strength of native grasses. Their large root systems help hold soil in place and prevent erosion from still water, storm water run-off and prairie winds. Over time, a community can lose hundreds of square-feet of land to erosion but by planting these species, we can slow that process.
Reducing pesticides and herbicides
As Manitoba’s native plants and grasses have evolved, they have developed abilities to ward-off unfriendly insects and weeds, therefore they require less herbicide and pesticides to stay healthy. Their roots dig deep into the ground allowing them to access water and nutrients found below the root systems of their neighbouring plants which prevents weeds from stealing their resources.
Many public greenspaces can be challenging and costly to maintain. By planting native grasses in RidgeWood West, we reduce the long-term cost of care in these areas since they require minimal maintenance. Their upkeep entails a controlled burn by the City of Winnipeg every five years. This helps to control weeds and allows the grasses to regenerate and different species of plants to bloom.
Promoting active living
Trails in RidgeWood West are constructed with crushed limestone. Unlike traditional surfacing materials like concrete or asphalt, crushed limestone is semi-permeable meaning it allows for better water drainage which prevents water from pooling and reduces run-off erosion.
Traditional surfacing materials like concrete or asphalt, are impervious which means that they don’t allow storm water to drain. This causes water to pool creating conditions where mosquitoes can breed. It also increases water run-off which leads to erosion. Traditional surfacing materials also involve more resources to install, contain petro-carbons and require greater levels of maintenance and replacement.
Not only do crushed limestone trails provide shock absorption for running and walking but they also reflect less heat, making it cooler for pets to walk on during Manitoba’s hot summer months. Additionally, crushed limestone trails are easier and less expensive to maintain and repair.
Trails in RidgeWood West have been designed to integrate with the Harte Trail. The 6.5-kilometer Harte Trail runs through a narrow strip of wilderness on an old railway bed in the heart of Charleswood. It is also an important section of the Trans Canada Trail—the world's longest network of recreational trails.
Providing natural habitats
Over the years, Siberian elm and fruit bearing shrubs like the Saskatoon, have grown along the edges of the Harte Trail. These areas can benefit wildlife by providing food and shelter, which in turn increases food sources and nesting opportunities, allowing for a greater density and diversity of wildlife.
The combination of wooded and open areas in this community provides residents with regular glimpses of wildlife. The native plants and grasses used in our bio-retention systems produce homes for a variety prairie wildlife. The vegetation provides safety for smaller creatures, materials for birds to build nests and hunting grounds for birds of prey. Some animals you may see in these areas include deer, rabbits, foxes and dozens of species of song birds.
Unlike traditional retention ponds, our naturalized wetlands and buffer areas deter critters such as gophers, prairie dogs and geese who prefer open areas with short grass.
Just as people walk along a hallway to reach different rooms, animals also need spaces within a landscape that help them move from one habitat to another. The narrow strip of wilderness that buffers the Harte Trail helps to serve as an important wildlife movement corridor that then links up with Assiniboine Forest and Park and the Assiniboine River which are all vital pieces that form the greater biological community.
Staying true to our nature
In unison, Qualico Communities uses these practices in RidgeWood West to help protect habitats and to create a more sustainable neighbourhood. A reduction in greenhouse gases, erosion and fertilizers lessens pollution, which in turn helps to clean the water entering our rivers and lakes.