Strawberry Hill Reservoir Replacement

The existing 4.56 megalitre (ML) Strawberry Hill reservoir located at Alex Hope Park in Walnut Grove was constructed in 1976 and is a cylindrical shaped reinforced concrete structure. The 49-year-old reservoir supplies water to meet daily demands and provide fire protection. The reservoir maintains pressure throughout the Northwest and servicing the communities of Fort Langley, Forest Knolls, Port Kells Industrial area, Walnut Grove, and Willowbrook. It is also able to provide water to the Willoughby neighbourhood via the adjacent Strawberry Booster Pump Station. Figure 1 provides a photograph of the existing reservoir. The existing reservoir is at the end of its service life and is scheduled for replacement.

Figure 1: existing 4.56ML Strawberry Hill Reservoir

Proposed options

During the functional design, various design considerations were reviewed including storage capacity, location, accessibility, shape, and aesthetics.  

As part of finalizing the functional design phase of the project, two reservoir locations are being considered for a proposed 8.0ML rectangular reservoir: 

Throughout the evaluation of the reservoir locations, various factors like cost, environmental impact, public impact, operational needs and constructability have been reviewed to determine the most feasible and community sensitive design solution. Additionally, the existing reservoir must be kept in service throughout the construction of the new reservoir; therefore, the existing location could not be considered.

Option 1

A rectangular reservoir is proposed along the 85 Avenue frontage. Figure 2 provides a plan view drawing of the proposed reservoir location to the north of the existing reservoir.  

Some of the benefits of this option include minimized impact to park users during construction, ease of access for operational staff from 85 Avenue, and minimized impact to the park and school playground layout with continued continuity between both spaces.

Drawbacks of this option include the required removal of trees currently fronting 85 Avenue in the near vicinity of the proposed reservoir, and increased reservoir visibility post-construction.

Figure 2: option 1, plan view - north of existing reservoir

Figure 3 illustrates 3D rendering’s comparing the current street view to an anticipated post-construction street view with a new planting scenario and a 10-to-15-year plant growth scenario.

Figure 3: option 1, 3D renderings - north reservoir location

 Current views

Post construction views - Click images to see larger versions

Option 2

A rectangular reservoir is proposed to the south of the existing reservoir between Alex Hope Elementary School and the Alex Hope Park baseball fields. Figure 4 provides a plan view drawing of the proposed reservoir location to the south of the existing reservoir.

Some of the benefits of this option include no requirement for tree removals along the 85 Avenue frontage of the park, and limited visibility of the reservoir from 85 Avenue post-construction.

Drawbacks of this option include impact to the school playground and park space during construction, and decreased playground and park space sight lines and continuity post-construction.

Figure 4: option 2, plan view - south of existing reservoir 

Figure 5 illustrates 3D rendering’s comparing the current street view to post-construction street view scenario.

Figure 5: option 2, 3D renderings - south reservoir location

 Current views

Post construction views - Click images to see larger versions