In the summers of 2011 and 2012 this project evaluated an innovative thermal mitigation measured installed in a stormwater management pond in Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary Planning area in Brampton.  Vegetated Floating Islands are engineered, vegetated rafts made of natural or inert materials that mimic floating bog mats. The root systems of the island dangle into the water, taking up both nutrients and pollutants. Floating islands reduce pond water temperature by providing shade.  There are a total of 6 islands, providing 740 m² of shade and coverage for the stormwater pond which covers approximately 10 per cent of the surface area of the pond.

In general, the floating islands cooled the pond water by provided shading and less stratification. The thermal benefits were more prominent in 2012 when the island vegetation was fully developed.

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