Storm Pond Safety Enhancements in Ward 3
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Stormwater ponds are working facilities. They're designed to manage runoff and protect our neighbourhoods from flooding, and are not to serve as recreational spaces. But we know people are drawn to them, especially in winter, when a frozen pond can look like an inviting spot for ice skating or a shortcut across the ice.
Storm ponds aren't built or maintained for that kind of use, and we've seen we've seen close calls and dangerous situations as a result.
In response, this year, the City is installing enhanced safety measures at 15 stormwater ponds identified as the highest priority through a citywide review.
Two of the 15 sites are located in Ward 3:
95R Harvest Hills Dr NE (3WPA)
142R Panatella Hl NW (95WPA)
(click maps to enlarge)
At both locations, crews will install a combination of:
Vegetation: thorny, dense plantings placed strategically to close off access points to the pond. Vegetation is used where a pond has a naturalized character, helping to maintain its natural appearance while still creating an effective barrier. (Shown on the maps as PROP Vegetation)
New and updated signage: caution signs will be replaced or added, along with new and updated educational signage, to help the public understand the risks and the purpose of these facilities. (Shown on the maps as EXISTING_SIGNS and PROP_Signs)
Temporary winter fencing: at sites with a history of unauthorized winter use, such as skating, makeshift hockey rinks, or cutting across the ice, temporary snow fencing will be installed alongside signage as an added layer of protection. (Shown on the maps as PROP_TempFence)
The type of barrier used at each location depends on the specific conditions and existing character of that pond.
Before any work begins, restoration ecologists will assess each site to determine which plant species (willows, or thorny species like rose, snowberry, and gooseberry) will work best, and which sites can support a mix of both.
Several additional environmental safeguards are also in place across all ponds:
Bird sweeps were conducted at each site by a qualified environmental professional.
A Natural Areas Protection Plan was developed for all 15 sites, documenting project details, identifying potential impacts, and outlining mitigation measures. This is a standard tool used to support ecological review of small-scale projects in City of Calgary Natural Areas.
While work is underway, crews will follow strict environmental guidelines:
No disturbing, feeding, or interfering with wildlife.
Staying clear of nesting birds in trees, shrubs, and grasslands, in accordance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
Avoiding trampling of native vegetation and grasses outside the project footprint.
Reporting any chance discovery of historic resources in accordance with the Historical Resources Act.
A Reminder for All Calgarians:
No matter how calm a storm pond may look, it isn't a safe place to play, swim, skate, or take a shortcut. These upgrades are one part of a broader effort to keep our communities safe, but the most important safety measure is a simple one: stay off storm ponds, year-round.
More information on storm ponds in Calgary can be found by visiting the City's Storm Water Pond webpage.
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