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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, July 28, 2016 | 16 Bronte Bluffs bioswale showcases low-impact development by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff The Town of Oakville has completed a restoration project at the Bronte Bluffs, which is intended to protect the area's ecological health. The Town, in partnership with Conservation Halton, Bronte BIA, Bronte Historical Society, Oakvillegreen, Evergreen, and Amec Foster Wheeler, has completed a bioswale project. A bioswale is constructed of layers of engineered soil and specially selected plants that absorb water and filter pollutants from urban runoff. It is one technique associated with Low Impact Development (LID) and provides a natural way of dealing with stormwater. "The bioswale in Bronte Bluffs is an excellent example of the innovative measures we can take to manage storm water and reduce our ecological impact," stated Mayor Rob Burton. "Thanks to the work of our many partners within the community we are able to make Bronte a more livable, sustainable community." Town staff said when rainwater flows down paved streets or other hard surfaces, it picks up chemicals, waste and bacteria, which run into ditches and storm drain systems and eventually into our waterways. The bioswale, they noted, lets water gradually soak through the plant and soil-based filters like a sponge, helping to cleanse the water before it enters the lake, while helping to reduce erosion. Rain gardens, permeable paving and rain Donna Doyle (left) senior environmental policy analyst, Town of Oakville; Ward 1 Councillors Sean O'Meara and Ralph Robinson at the Bronte Bluffs bioswale.| photo courtesy Town of Oakville barrels are examples of LID techniques. The bioswale is a pilot project and was completed with support from the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund. As part of Ontario's Great Lakes Strategy, the Great Lakes Guardian Community Fund was set up with the intention of helping people take action to protect and restore their corner of the Great Lakes by protecting water quality for human and ecological health; improving wetlands, beaches and coastal areas; and protecting habitats and species. Other restoration projects at the Bronte Bluffs include: · Restoring the quality of the site's tableland forest through the removal of invasive species, particularly garlic mustard, and replanting with native plants · Removing a direct outfall pipe into the lake and reducing erosion by planting native grasses and deeper rooted shrubs · Planting native wildflowers and plants that support pollinators such as bees and butterflies · Installing educational signage on Low Impact Development and protecting water quality on Lake Ontario. Bronte Bluffs is an elevated, forested park that overlooks Bronte Harbour and Lake Ontario. It has been identified as a potential Cultural Heritage Landscape under the Ontario Heritage Act. Popular with cyclists and hikers, the Bronte Bluffs offers a variety of environmental, cultural and recreational pursuits. Bronte Historical Society, which operates Sovereign House on the site, is currently featuring an exhibit on the history of the bluffs, Bronte Bluffs Then and Now, including information on the most recent work that has been done. Sovereign House is open to the public from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. For information on Sovereign House and events, visit brontehistoricalsociety.ca For information on upcoming planting or invasive removal events, visit oakvillegreen.org For information on the Bronte Bluffs cultural heritage landscape, visit oakville.ca and search Cultural Heritage Landscape Strategy. flyers. coupons. deals. cash back. Seniors Day! 10% DIScount EVERY tuESDAY if you are over 60! Award Winning! LIKE us on Facebook! Get this coupon and more at www.save.ca/coupons *Coupons subject to availability. 1 minute North of the QEW on Burloak Drive (Corner of Tim Hortons / Petro Canada plaza)