Stay safe, stay off storm ponds.

Stay safe, stay off storm ponds

Storm ponds look like natural ponds however they do not function the same. They collect runoff to protect communities from overland flooding and help clean water before returning it to the river.

Unlike a normal pond, water levels are constantly changing which creates unstable air gaps between the ice and water, weakening the ice in the winter.

Storm ponds also contain sediment and contaminants which also weaken the ice. The ice thickness on a storm pond is always unpredictable.  

Any recreational activity, in winter or summer, on or in these ponds is not safe and is strictly prohibited under the Stormwater Bylaw.

Watch the storm pond winter safety video:

The following activities are not allowed on storm ponds

No walking on ice
No skating.
No sledding.
Keep pets away from water.
No swimming or wading.
No fishing.
No boating.

If you see activity on a storm pond call 311.

The hidden hazards of storm ponds

Hover your mouse over the numbers in the image below to see the hidden hazards of storm ponds:

Long description

  1. In the winter, the water is storm ponds contain road salt and other contaminants that eat away at the ice. Ice on these ponds can be unstable even if it looks solid. 
  2. The ice thickness can vary across the pond's surface. 
  3. Beneath the ice surface, water is constantly flowing, and levels are changing as water moves between inlet and outlet pipes. This weakens the ice and creates unstable air gaps. 
  4. Water in storm ponds can contain pollutants. It's not safe to eat fish that grow in storm ponds. 
  5. The shoreline can be slippery and unstable. 
  6. The bottoms of storm ponds are very soft. People or pets that enter may quickly get stuck.

If you see a person falling through the ice call 9-1-1

Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.

  • Encourage the person to kick and pull themselves up onto the ice and roll, rather than walk, towards the shore. Keep your eyes on them to provide 9-1-1 and fire crews with their exact location.
  • If the person does get out of the water and on to the ice, reach or throw an aid to the person such as a branch, or rope.

How to identify a storm pond. Look for the signs.

All storm ponds have identifying signage. If you’re not sure if you’re at a storm pond, look for signs like these:

Additional resources

Calgary has lots of safe places to enjoy winter activities outside

Download this brochure to learn more about storm ponds and how they help protect our rivers and communities:

What is a storm pond?

Have a concern about a storm pond?

Please contact 311 or use the 311 app to report concerns about:

  • People/animals in or on storm ponds
  • Odours
  • Retrieval of items from storm ponds
  • Algae blooms
  • Inquiries or maintenance 
  • Fish in the pond (it is illegal to release fish into storm ponds) 
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