Background

Following completion of the Arrow Creek Water Distribution System in 2018, all of the former open reservoirs that once supplied water to the Town of Creston and Erickson were decommissioned in favour of modern closed system reservoirs. Although basic maintenance of the site (mowing etc.) continued in the following years, the 4.3 hectare (10 acre) site has remained largely unused beyond the small area of the site utilized for the closed reservoir system. Perimeter fencing has aged, and in some areas is in a state of disrepair. Acknowledging that maintaining unused lands and replacing fencing for the site is not a long-term sustainable plan, Council determined that the reservoir site should be repurposed to create value to the natural environment, the residents of Crawford Hill, and the community at large.

With this in mind, the Town began a process exploring what could be done with the Crawford Hill reservoir site that would fit with the neighbourhood, our Official Community Plan (check out Crawford Hill and the OCP), and the environment. It was determined that while environmental restoration should proceed, residents of Crawford Hill should be consulted regarding the ultimate use of the site.