Official web site of The City of Calgary

Stay safe, stay off storm ponds.

Storm ponds are not like regular ponds. They collect runoff to protect communities from overland flooding and help clean water before returning it to the river. Any recreational activity on or in these ponds is not safe and is strictly prohibited under the Stormwater Bylaw.

Keep your family and pets healthy and safe by keeping them off storm ponds.

Ice on storm ponds can be unstable even when it looks solid

It’s not safe to skate, walk or play on storm ponds Here’s why:

  1. The water in these ponds contains sediment and contaminants (e.g. road salt, vehicle fluids, bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides) that are collected as water travels through the community on their way to the storm pond, which can weaken the ice.
  2. Water levels are constantly changing as water moves between inlet and outlet pipes creating unstable air gaps between the ice and water.

Calgary has lots of safe places to enjoy winter activities outside

Outdoor skating rinks

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Tobogganing and sledding

Watch the storm pond winter safety video:

Hover your mouse over the numbers to read about the hazard that can be found in 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:

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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