World Triathlon 2001 – William Hawrelak Park Lake Improvements

Recommendation:
  1. That approval be given to dredge William Hawrelak Park Lake this Fall, thereby addressing the swimming requirements for international triathlon events in 2000 and 2001.
  2. That in the event the Lake cannot be prepared in time for skating use, that the alternate outdoor skating surface at William Hawrelak Park, as described in this report, be approved.

Report Summary

The clean-up requirements of William Hawrelak Park Lake may affect the Community Services Department’s ability to build the ice skating surface, possibly resulting in the creation of an alternate skating surface adjacent to the Lake for winter 1999-2000.

Report

  • To prepare for this past summer’s Canadian Triathlon Championships held on July 11, 1999, the preparation of the William Hawrelak Park Lake included: weed removal, sediment removal via barge-type dredge, partial top-up of lake with potable water, lake water quality monitoring, and installation of beach area.
  • Despite the clean-up efforts, significant water quality issues remained with respect to: faecal coliform bacteria levels, incidence of “swimmer’s itch”, sediment material not removed and, to a lesser extent, aquatic weeds.
  • As a result, in order to address the outstanding issues, the World Triathlon 2001, in conjunction with the City of Edmonton, EBA Engineering, the University of Alberta Bioligical Sciences Department, and HAZCO Environmental Services Ltd. developed a two year clean-up strategy. One of the strategies recommended is the removal of the remaining sediment in the Lake.
  • The Lake is currently empty, to permit the reconstruction of the Pavilion patio deck. This has provided the opportunity to more closely assess the Lake bottom and liner.
  • This Fall, with the lake drained, the remaining sediment could be removed (estimated at 3-5” across the entire lake bed area). Based upon the saturated state of the lake’s clay liner, this might require working late into the Fall or Winter, possibly resulting in no opportunity to build ice on the lake.
  • Should the alternate skating surface be required, given the requirement to remove the sediment in conditions that will not harm the integrity of the Lake’s clay liner, the skating area could be provided in the grassed area adjacent to the main pavilion. The skating area could be available by December 15, 1999 subject to average daily temperatures two weeks prior to that date being between minus 7 and 10 degrees celsius.

Budget / Financial Implications

  • Costs associated with the clean up would be borne by the World Triathlon 2001.
  • Funds are already approved in the 1999 operating budget to provide outdoor skating in William Hawrelak Park.

Justification of Recommendation

  1. The upcoming events must meet the water quality guidelines as stipulated by not only the International Triathlon Union, but as well, by Alberta’s Public Health Act as monitored by the Capital Health Authority. The success of the two international triathlon events is contingent upon many factors, not the least of which are the athletic components including the swim, bike and run. The Lake clean-up activities recommended will address the outstanding water quality concerns.
  2. The Community Services Department will make every attempt possible to provide outdoor skating on the William Hawrelak Park Lake surface. However, if dredging activities are required later into the Fall or early part of the Winter, an alternate surface will be required to ensure provision of skating opportunities by mid-December, 1999.

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