Dow’s Lake Floating Wetlands: Funding Proposal
Funding proposal to help build a scalable model for urban ecological restoration.
Project Summary
This project proposes the fabrication and installation of 63 modular floating wetland platforms in three clusters at Dow’s Lake, Ottawa. These hexagonal units will support native vegetation, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity while preserving the canal’s heritage infrastructure.
Goals & Objectives
Improve aquatic habitat and biodiversity
Filter stormwater runoff and reduce nutrient loading
Engage the public through signage and community events
Pilot a scalable, modular design for future urban applications
Design Overview
Each hexagonal unit includes:
A welded aluminum base
A submerged root cage with protective mesh
A cork matrix for planting
Biodegradable pots and native species
Anchoring system and geotextile layer
Interpretive signage and monitoring plan
4. Budget Summary
Category | Total (CAD) |
Materials (structure + planting) | $90,996 |
Labor (design, fabrication, install) | $42,000 |
Equipment Rental | $4,500 |
Monitoring & Maintenance (Year 1) | $6,000 |
Outreach & Signage | $3,500 |
Contingency (15%) | $21,000 |
Total | $166,586 |
Detailed cost sources available upon request to the team.
5. Timeline
Phase | Duration | Activities |
Planning & Permits | 1–2 months | Finalize design, secure approvals |
Fabrication | 2–3 months | Build 63 hexagonal units |
Installation | 1 month | Deploy clusters, anchor, plant |
Monitoring & Outreach | 6 months | Water testing, signage, community events |
6. Evaluation & Impact
Water Quality: Pre/post nutrient testing
Biodiversity: Species counts and habitat use
Community Engagement: Workshop attendance, feedback
Scalability: Documented design for replication
7. Funding Request
We are requesting $166,586 CAD to fully implement and monitor this project. This includes all materials, labor, outreach, and a 15% contingency.
8. Contact
Reema Adan, reema.1adan@gmail.com
Updated Budget Breakdown for 63 Hexagonal FTW Units (3 Clusters of 21)
Category | Unit Cost (CAD) | Quantity | Total (CAD) | Source / Assumption |
Aluminum tubing (base) | $25/m | ~27m/hex × 63 = 1,701m | $42,525 | Metal Supermarkets ↗, 6061-T6 aluminum tubing |
Root cage poles | $12/pole | 6/hex × 63 = 378 | $4,536 | Based on 10cm galvanized steel poles from Home Depot Canada ↗ |
Mesh (root cage) | $10/hex | 63 | $630 | Estimated from galvanized steel mesh rolls, Uline ↗ |
Stainless steel grate | $80/hex | 63 | $5,040 | McMaster-Carr ↗, 316 stainless steel mesh panel |
Aluminum frame + perforated wood | $100/hex | 63 | $6,300 | Based on marine-grade plywood and aluminum pipe framing, Home Hardware |
Cork matrix (custom cut) | $150/hex | 63 | $9,450 | Based on bulk cork sheet pricing from WidgetCo and custom CNC cutting |
Geotextile layer | $20/hex | 63 | $1,260 | Terrafix Geosynthetics , nonwoven geotextile fabric |
Biodegradable plant pots | $1.50/pot | ~50/hex × 63 = 3,150 | $4,725 | Greenhouse Megastore , peat pots |
Native plants | $3.50/plant | ~50/hex × 63 = 3,150 | $11,025 | Ontario Native Plants , average cost per plug |
Anchoring system (chains, cinder blocks) | $50/hex | 63 | $3,150 | Based on marine-grade chain and concrete anchors, Princess Auto |
Fasteners, adhesives, hardware | $15/hex | 63 | $945 | Stainless bolts, marine epoxy, etc. from Fastenal |
Installation equipment rental | - | 3 weeks | $4,500 | Based on barge, hoist, and tool rental from Cooper Equipment Rentals |
Labor (design, fabrication, install) | $35/hr avg | ~1,200 hrs | $42,000 | Based on blended rate for skilled labor, student assistants, and coordination |
Monitoring & maintenance (Year 1) | - | - | $6,000 | Includes water testing kits, plant replacement, and site visits |
Outreach & signage | - | - | $3,500 | Interpretive signage, community workshops, printing |
Contingency (15%) | - | - | $21,000 | Standard buffer for material cost fluctuations and delays |