What a difference a year can make!

Last year at this time, the George Brown College parking lots managed by Unit Park were unpaved, dusty compacted gravel. There were pot holes, ruts and puddles. The surface was uneven and hard to access by those with mobility challenges.

Unit Park was determined to find a paving system that provided the solution they needed while staying within the stormwater management parameters given to them by the City of Toronto; no easy feat!

LID Permeable Paving – Ecoraster | The Perfect Solution for Toronto and the GTA

After considerable investigation, they found the Ecoraster permeable paving system.

Using Ecoraster instead of traditional paving surfaces such as asphalt and concrete ensured that no additional stormwater would be “discharged” from the parking lot surfaces, a requirement of the City.

In addition, Ecoraster would immediately solve the many issues that were commonly found on the site;

The surface would remain level, stable and universally accessible.

There would be no development of cracks, potholes or ruts within the paving surface.

The Ecoraster surface would remain puddle free, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

The permeable surface, engineered specifically to allow for snow plowing, would permit easier winter maintenance.

The winter salt usage would greatly be reduced, due to the reduction in the freeze-thaw cycle.

The area could be lined, allowing for maximum and efficient use of the space.

Ecoraster would ensure that the area could be easily and safely accessible for the heavy-duty maintenance vehicles used to service the adjacent CP Rail tracks and the hydro towers located within the parking lots.

It sounds almost too good to be true…

One year later we can report that the installation of the Ecoraster went relatively smoothly. As with any project, there were a couple hic ups… Old concrete light standards were found as the area was being graded, buried below the surface. As well, a train derailed and nearly feel into the parking lot which was being prepared for the Ecoraster install, no one was hurt, however, the clean-up efforts halted the installation for a couple weeks.

Patience is a virtue and thanks to all involved, the parking lots A, B and C were completed within the deadline.

LID Permeable Paving | The Perfect Asphalt and Concrete Alternative for Parking Lot Paving

A year later the benefits of Ecoraster are truly apparent.

The permeable surface is working well. There are no puddles, even during a rain storm. The dust is eliminated and the surrounding neighbours are very happy. The parking lots, with the permanent lines are maximizing the area; good for Unit Park and good for the drivers. The company in charge of winter maintenance reports using no salt this past winter season which, when you are talking about 120,000 sq. ft., is noticeable and attractive.

The Ecoraster parking lot surface is fully accessible and if you can walk in high heels, then you can walk on Ecoraster.

The parking lots have become a conversation topic. The neighbours, George Brown and Unit Park are proud of their initiative, as they should be!

The parking lots, located in central Toronto and used by hundreds of students, faculty, theater goers and others every day, demonstrate that sustainable alternatives are available for the most mundane things, like paving surfaces.

Ecoraster is a “feel good” product; made from 100% post-consumer plastic shopping bags and 100% recyclable or reusable.

One year later everyone is pleased with the results, a permeable paving surface which can support the heaviest of loads as demonstrated earlier this week by a nearby filming crew.

LID Permeable Paving Canada is the exclusive distributor of the Ecoraster system in Toronto and the GTA. We also service LID permeable paving installations throughout Ontario and Canada. Contact us to arrange for a site visit and to learn more about the benefits of the Ecoraster permeable paving system.