The City of Guelph has posted signs at its stormwater management facilities—commonly referred to as ‘storm ponds’ or ‘drainage ponds’—stating that recreation activities are not permitted due to safety risks.
Signs have been posted at the following stormwater ponds:
Grange Road and Watson Parkway
Adjacent to the West End Recreation Centre (Imperial Road South between Paisley Road and the overhead railway bridge)
Elmira Road North and Tovell Drive
Hillside Crescent area (between Brookhaven Court and Sagewood Place)
Downey Road at Teal Drive
Signs will be posted at all of the City’s stormwater ponds by the end of the month, weather permitting.
Stormwater management ponds temporarily hold rainfall, melted snow or water runoff. As they are not intended for recreational use, stormwater management ponds are not supervised by safety-oriented City staff, such as lifeguards.
“Stormwater ponds are designed to treat stormwater in accordance with Ministry of Environment guidelines,” says Rick Henry, General Manager, Engineering Services. “Water is constantly circulating in storm ponds. In some areas, the water is 1.2 metres (5 feet) deep. These ponds are not for leisure activities.”
Guelph residents are encouraged to use ice rinks throughout Guelph. Skating is available at Market Square from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. For a full list of community ice rinks, please visit guelph.ca/recreation.
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