Open House FAQ

On Tuesday, July 15th Qualico Communities hosted an Open House for the residents of Oak Bluff.  Here are the answers to most of the questions that came up during the Open House.

Public Reserve (PR) behind Blacksmith

1. Will the PR behind Blacksmith Road have regular weed control?
   A weed control supervisor has been informed and so far has sprayed the area once for weeds.
2. Are there other long term maintenance options that could be established for the PR?
   Potential options are being evaluated and will be added to this section at a later date.
3. Why is the area behind the PR wet?
   There is a primary drain that empties into the PR along with drainage from sump pumps from adjacent homes.  This PR is intended to operate as a drainage ditch, making this area very wet even during dry weather.  The Rural Municipality of MacDonald drainage By-Law states:
   “That drainage from the sump pit shall be directed to the outside of the building towards the natural surface drainage. The subsoil drainage shall not drain into the sanitary sewer system. Inter-connection between the floor drain and the sump pit shall not be permitted.”

   http://www.rmofmacdonald.com/files/90-40Wtr-Swr090414.pdf

4. Are gates permitted onto the PR areas?
   Yes
5. Can residents maintain the PR area on their own and establish gardens or other landscaping?
   The residents can maintain the PR area on their own, but are not permitted to establish gardens.

Maintenance

1. Can RM fog the ditch and surrounding area to reduce mosquito breeding?
   The RM does not have a budget for mosquito fogging.  Recommended course of action is to inform the area councilor as this must be brought before Council to decide.
2. When will the culvert site be cleaned up?
   Culvert site cleaning is complete.

Pathways

1. Will the paths be paved asphalt or granular?
   Granular
2. What are the benefits of granular paths?
   Granular paths are pervious, fit with the natural theme being developed in Oak Bluff West, and are more economical in regards to maintenance.  When granular paths are properly maintained on an annual basis rutting and effects of erosion decrease as the area becomes established.
3. When will the pathway to the school be completed?
   September 2014

Trees

1. What is the tree planting schedule
   One tree per lot at locations determined by the developer are planted.  Notices are sent to residents to advise a tree will be planted on their lot.  Tree planting takes place twice a year, once in spring and once in fall.  Each lot will be scheduled for tree planting as soon as the lot grading has been completed, inspected and approved.

Playground

1. When will the playground be completed?
   The playground is scheduled for excavation mid-August 2014 with an end of September 2014 estimated completion date.
2. Will the playground area include more 5 -12 year old play elements?
   A community group is in the process of being formed that will carry out fund raising efforts to include additional play elements.
3. Will a donation wall be incorporated into the park area?
   Upon review and approval of the detailed plan by the RM prior to construction.

Community Forum

1. Will there be an online resident forum?
   Yes, Qualico Communities is in the process of adding a forum to http://www.oakbluffwest.ca/