Burlington schedules Rambo Creek bank repairs near Brant Plaza from this fall to May 2027

The problem

A City-wide creek erosion assessment completed in 2020 and 2021 flagged the section of Rambo Creek between Victoria Avenue and Emerald Crescent as a priority. The study area runs about 180 metres from the Victoria Avenue culvert to Emerald Crescent, beside Brant Plaza. According to the City, the channel has widened on its west side, bringing the top of the bank to within less than one metre of private infrastructure, including a parking area with a wooden fence and a concrete barrier wall. Several small storm outfalls are in poor condition, and runoff from the adjacent parking lot is adding to the erosion. Photos in the City's presentation show over-steepened banks, leaning gabion baskets and a timber retaining wall.

The fix

• Minor realignment of the low-flow channel and regrading of the bank, restored with native plantings.
• Regrading the creek bed into a natural pattern of riffles and pools.
• An armourstone wall with a vegetated buttress to protect the toe of the bank, with storm pipes built into the wall.
• A vegetation restoration plan for the disturbed area.

The design was presented at a public information centre on September 16 at the Central Arena auditorium, and the slides are posted on the City's project page. The City lists Aquafor Beech Ltd. as its consultant on the project.

Timing and access

The City's slides say the main construction access is through the municipal Green Parking Lot at 533 John St., north lot, with secondary access from south of Victoria Avenue. Work hours are listed as Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The plan includes erosion and sediment controls, managing creek flow during construction, removing fish from work areas, a tree preservation plan and monitoring after construction. Residents with questions can contact the City's project manager in Engineering Services through the project page.