Empire Avalon in Caledonia

Empire Avalon stands as a visionary 215-hectare (530-acre) master-planned community development nestled in the heart of Caledonia, ON, crafted in collaboration with Empire Communities. This expansive development aims to introduce over 3,000 residential homes, effectively doubling the local population upon its completion. With a steadfast commitment to environmental and cultural preservation, every aspect of the project area will safeguard these invaluable features. Notably, one-third of the lands, totaling 180 acres, will be dedicated to parks and environmental conservation areas, ensuring a harmonious blend of urban living and natural green space.

Location

Caledonia, Ontario, Canada

Client

Empire Communities

img-Empire Avalon in Caledonia-Site Plan

Prime Consultant to a Master-Planned Community

Empire Avalon will include 2,600 single detached units, 540 townhouse units, multiple stormwater management facilities, mixed-use spaces, a school, roads, and park blocks. The development is located within the Grand River Conservation Authority regulation areas, and it includes portions of the Lindsay Creek and Seneca Creek watersheds. WSP served as the prime consultant and led a multidisciplinary consulting services team. Our expertise facilitated draft plan approval, detailed design, and construction support, encompassing planning, functional servicing, stormwater management, fluvial geomorphology, natural heritage, hydrogeology, geotechnical, transportation, topographic survey, civil servicing, and construction administration.

We take pride in our involvement in land development projects such as Empire Avalon. Collaboratively, we envision a vibrant community, designed to thrive sustainably. It's about envisioning a better way of living and bringing that vision to life.

McClung South Sanitary Pumping Station

The wastewater servicing for Empire Avalon not only focused on essential infrastructure but also prioritized efficiency and sustainability. This encompassed the design and construction of the McClung South Sanitary Pumping Station (9-metre depth and capable of accommodating peak flows of 160 L/s). Additionally, over 2 km of 300 mm diameter forcemain was laid external to the development, seamlessly integrating with an existing County highway. These initiatives not only ensure reliable wastewater management but also enhance the overall functionality of the community.

The Empire Avalon community will double the population of Caledonia at completion. WSP remains steadfast in offering ongoing support to our clients as they collaborate with Haldimand County and engage with the public throughout the development process.

The development includes improving a 750-meter section of Seneca Creek. This includes floodplain modification, habitat creation, and the restoration of the creek, all aimed at nurturing the natural environment. Simultaneously, these measures are designed to optimize developable lands, ensuring a harmonious balance between environmental stewardship and community expansion.

The design process gave consideration for Indigenous community engagement for the archaeological significance of the land, and previous mining activities on the property. Adding creative integration of relevant design solutions into the development plan.