Trees shouldn’t be planted on concrete

By Letter to the Editor on December 20, 2018.

About 11 years ago Classic Construction Ltd. (CCL) developed a condominium project known as Somerset Villas. This was built on a high water table and on land that was donated by the city at an estimated value of $500,000 along with the $50,000 seed money from the city. This land was always known as a slough or wetland.

Controversy erupted in early 2011 when residents complained about humidity and other related issues in the complex that was only four years old at the time. A lawsuit was filed naming the City of Medicine Hat. Dozens of foreclosures ensued. CCL may have diligently worked to fix the problem which may now be rectified and this letter is not about the quality of construction but is intended to recall the risks associated with building on high water tables. This beautiful park on the east side of College Drive and Primrose Drive (and once known as Connaught Linear Park before the city removed the sign) has a known high water table with multiple underground springs. The proposed development will negatively impact neighbouring properties, especially those on College Drive. Who needs soggy basements?

Some park areas where kids previously played in Connaught still remain closed by the city due to the coyote danger. This is a safe park area for families to allow their kids to play. The wild geese and the deer in the park this morning were a joy to behold.

During heavy rains we see rivers of rainwater flowing in torrents down Primrose Drive and putting the storm sewer system to the test. New areas of the city now automatically include storm water catchment areas to allow for the slower dissipation when heavy rain occurs. We already have a similar type of area with our park.

A similar project by Meadowlands Development Ltd proposed for this park and was declined on second reading by council on Feb. 19, 1997.

Trees should be planted on parks, not concrete.

Robin Cowan

Medicine Hat

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