Stormwater drains could soon become parks

Stormwater drains could soon become parks

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The City of Canning is looking into turning its drains into accessible public spaces. Photograph - Aaron Van Rongen.

The City of Canning is investigating turning its often-restricted access stormwater drainage lands into accessible public open spaces.

At its September 19 meeting council voted unanimously in support of a proposal by councillor Jesse Jacobs to investigate renovating the restricted areas to create spaces including parks and community gardens.

Councillor Pauline Tarrant seconded Mr Jacobs’ motion and said she thought much could be done about the city’s unused drainage land.

“We have so many drainage sumps that are an eyesore in the City of Canning,” she said.

“Opportunities to turn these into pocket parks could really help make Canning more attractive.”

Councillors Ben Kunze and Patrick Hall, who had previously raised concerns about home break-ins being launched from drainage land in residential areas, said they would like open drains to be investigated for re-purposing as well.

The city’s chief executive Arthur Kyron will now be required to prepare a report for council by December outlining the time, cost estimates and ways to re-purpose the city’s stormwater drainage sumps.