Fountain Grove Conservation Area

The Fountain Grove Pump Station project faced several significant challenges over the course of its multi-year development. The area’s reliance on the Grand River for water management complicated construction efforts, especially with periodic flooding and the need to work around the river's flow. Capital, while partnering with the MDC staff, had to navigate these unpredictable conditions, all while managing the delicate balance of maintaining wetland habitats for wildlife and minimizing impacts on the river’s ecosystem and local agricultural activities.

Construction began in February 2018, with a key focus on replacing an outdated diesel pump with a more efficient and environmentally adaptable electric pump system. The new pump station is equipped with three electric pumps, capable of drawing water from the Grand River, which significantly increases the amount of water that can be managed. This system allows for more precise control over water flows, tailored to the fluctuating needs of the wetlands and waterfowl populations. Additionally, a new drainage structure was built for the west side wetland complex, improving the flexibility of water management by allowing different pools to be drained independently, rather than simultaneously as in the past.

The completion of the pump station in late summer 2024 marks a major milestone in the renovation of the Fountain Grove Conservation Area. The new system improves water flow management, benefiting both the wetlands and the wildlife that depend on them. With the ability to adjust water levels across various wetland pools, MDC is better equipped to provide consistent, high-quality habitats for migrating birds and other water-dependent species. The pump station also ensures that water management can be more precisely aligned with ecological needs, reducing the impact on the Grand River while maintaining the health of the surrounding environment.