The Project

Sturgeon County is proposing to complete a wetland restoration project in the County, subject to funding approval from the Government of Alberta. The project aims to compensate for wetland impacts and loss by establishing wetlands that provide important functions on the landscape including wildlife habitat, flood abatement, reduce downstream erosion, and water quality improvements including filtering runoff before entering the Sturgeon River.

Scope of Work

Sturgeon County is proposing to restore 1.65 hectares of wetland at Bellerose Park.

The project will restore drained wetlands in the park by excavating new areas with gradual slopes to support diverse wetland plants. Shallow bays, peninsulas, mounds, and woody debris will be added to create natural shorelines and habitat for birds, frogs, toads, and pollinators.

Excavated soil will be shaped into ridges and spread on higher ground, then seeded with upland species. Native aquatic vegetation will also be planted to enhance biodiversity.

What this means to You

Residents can expect temporary limited access to a portion of the Bellerose Park trails. Construction noise will be present for 2 to 3 weeks in the fall of 2025.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - incomplete

    Fall 2025: Excavation and soil spreading

    It will take two to three weeks to complete this construction phase.

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Spring 2026: Planting of wetland species plugs

  • Timeline item 3 - incomplete

    Summer 2026 - 2029: Monitoring

    Crews will be monitoring for weeds and weed control.