The City of Laval retained CIMA+ for a multidisciplinary engineering and landscape architecture project to enhance its wastewater management infrastructure and recreational facilities. The initiative involves the design and construction of a new underground sanitary retention reservoir at Cartier Park, coupled with the reconstruction of the existing soccer-football field and its drainage system. The project aims to address environmental concerns, improve urban infrastructure, and meet the city’s growing needs for modern and sustainable amenities.
The primary objectives of the project were to:
- Minimize the risk of wastewater spills to the environment
- Enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the wastewater management system through innovations in technology
- Modernize and improve the soccer-football field and its associated facilities, ensuring they meet contemporary standards and community needs
- Incorporate environmentally friendly practices and designs throughout the project
- Minimize the construction, operation and maintenance costs of the system to free up City financial resources for other important community needs
A highly reliable and virtually maintenance-free reservoir system
The project includes the design and construction of a new 15,000 m³ underground wastewater retention reservoir on the east side of the soccer-football field in Cartier Park. This reservoir is strategically located to connect to the main interceptor head structure via a dedicated pipeline. A key feature of the reservoir is the tilting tank system that was chosen for its simplicity, reliability, and cost effectiveness. This well-established technology, widely used in Canada and globally, utilizes tilting tanks to create water waves for effective self-cleaning of the reservoir. The tilting tank system operates entirely by gravity. It is automated to use stored rainwater to clean the bottom of the reservoir after each wastewater overflow and storage event. It can also operate with potable water during emergencies. The flushing system greatly reduces odours and contamination risks. With a minimum of mechanical and electrical components, the system is easy to operate and maintain and features an accessible equipment layout for safety and operational ease. It is also compatible with local environmental and operational standards.
A modernized recreational facility that better meets the needs of the community
The construction of the reservoir will necessitate dismantling the existing sports field. The field and associated structures will be rebuilt with modern technologies and materials, improving functionality and aesthetics. In addition, the new field will be designed to meet some FIFA standards in order to optimize playing conditions for amateur and semi-professional sports groups. Upgrades will include:
- Reconstruction of the sports field with enhanced drainage systems
- Modernized bleachers, lighting, and equipment
- Improved landscaping to enhance the park’s overall appeal and usability
Comprehensive engineering services
The project involved a comprehensive program of preparatory, conceptual, preliminary, and detailed engineering activities, including:
- Evaluation of multiple cleaning technologies, including tilting buckets, flush valves, rotary ejectors, and tilting tanks
- Selection of the tilting tank system based on environmental, operational, and economic criteria
- Integration of a self-cleaning and automated control system for the retention reservoir
- Reimagining the soccer-football field and surrounding park areas to meet modern standards and community needs
- Multidisciplinary technical assistance during construction
- Regulatory reviews and acquisition of necessary permits and certificates
This project underscores the City of Laval’s commitment to sustainable urban development, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of its residents. By combining advanced engineering with thoughtful design, the initiative delivers long-term benefits to both infrastructure and community spaces.