Kizell Municipal Drain Maintenance and Improvements

Kizell Municipal Drain Maintenance and Improvements

 

The City of Ottawa is proposing improvements to the existing Kizell Municipal Drain to enhance surface water conveyance and reduce the risk of flooding and erosion. The work aims to better protect nearby lands, roads, and municipal infrastructure, while supporting the natural characteristics and ecological function of the watercourse. The Kizell Municipal Drain provides an important stormwater management function for parts of Kanata North and surrounding urban areas.

 

A significant portion of the project area is located on National Capital Commission (NCC) lands and will require Federal Land Use, Design and Transaction Approval (FLUDTA) under the National Capital Act. Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) was consulted to determine whether a permit under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) may be required for the project. ECCC advised the proponent to apply for a SARA permit due to the potential for impacts to species at risk. As a result, ECCC is identified as a Federal Authority that may be required to make a determination under section 82 of the Impact Assessment Act, in coordination with NCC.

 

 

Overview of Proposed Works

 

The project involves redefining and improving approximately 2.8 km of the Kizell Municipal Drain between Legget Drive and the Beachburg Rail Corridor. The proposed activities include:

  • Installation of new culverts at Legget Drive, the NCC pathway crossing, and the Beachburg Rail Corridor (using trenchless methods for the rail crossing).
  • Installation of erosion protection measures at culvert inlets and outlets.
  • Selective tree and vegetation clearing only where needed for construction access.
  • Excavation and reshaping of the existing channel to improve stability and flow, including creation of a defined low-flow channel to support fish passage.
  • Flattening of side slopes where required to reduce erosion.
  • Management and spreading of excavated material adjacent to the drain where appropriate.
  • Restoration or protection of existing tile drainage outlets.
  • Removal of beaver dams within the project area if required for drainage function.
  • Localized channel realignment to mimic natural meanders and increase long-term creek stability.
  • Implementation of erosion and sediment control measures such as sediment traps, seeding, check dams, buffer strips, and bioengineering features (e.g. using plantings to stop erosion).
  • Integration of a permitted offline wetland (i.e. not directly connected to the watercourse) and habitat enhancement feature proposed by the NCC.

 

Vegetation will be protected wherever possible outside the active work areas, and the drain will return to a naturalized appearance after construction. These areas will also provide access for future maintenance activities.

 

 

Location

The project is located in the Kanata North and Bay wards of Ottawa. The upstream project limit is approximately 120 metres north of Legget Drive, with the channel flowing roughly 2.76 km downstream to the Beachburg Rail Corridor.

 

Construction Timing

 

Work is likely to commence after July 15, 2026, pending federal approvals. Construction is expected to take approximately 3 to 6 months.

 

Environmental Protection Measures

 

The design incorporates natural channel design principles and a suite of erosion and sediment control measures to maintain water quality and protect fish and wildlife habitat. In water work would occur between July 15 and October 15 as required to protect aquatic species. All work will comply with applicable municipal, provincial, and federal requirements, including conditions set by regulatory agencies.

 

Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) has provided a Letter of Advice based on the project design.

 

A permit application under the Species at Risk Act (SARA) has been sent (December 2, 2025) to the ECCC that includes the following species:

  1. Monarch Butterfly
  2. Blanding's Turtle
  3. Little Brown Myotis
  4. Northern Myotis
  5. Tri-coloured Bat
  6. Western Chorus Frog
  7. Butternut

Should a SARA permit be issued, the mitigation measures associated with the terms and conditions of the permit will be followed.

More

Latest update

March 7, 2026 -  The public comment period on the project is closed. The National Capital Commission and Environment and Climate Change Canada are considering comments received to help inform its determination on whether the carrying out of the project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

Participate

Key documents

Key documents
Document number Document title File Date
1 Kizell Municipal Drain Maintenance and Improvements - February 5, 2026

Contacts

National Capital Commission
Environmental Assessment
40 Elgin Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5A8
Email: IA-EI@ncc-ccn.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Ottawa (Ontario)

  • Nature of Activity

    • Other, not otherwise specified

  • Assessment Status

    In progress

  • Start Date

    2026-02-05

  • Proponent

    City of Ottawa

  • Authorities

    • Environment and Climate Change Canada
    • National Capital Commission

  • Assessment Type

    Project on federal lands

  • Reference Number

    90209

Nearby assessments

...within 200 kilometres
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