Ponds are not for play

City reminds residents to stay safe and avoid stormwater ponds

With winter in full swing, snow and icy weather causes many ponds in Vaughan to freeze over. Though they may look safe to skate or play on, the ice on stormwater ponds is often thin, making them unstable and unsafe to be on. 

The City of Vaughan is reminding residents to take extreme caution around stormwater ponds and to stay away from the ice that forms over them. Stormwater ponds are not designed or intended for recreational use such as skating or sliding – no activities on the ice are safe. Water flow and levels can change quickly and without warning which leads to an unstable surface.

Stormwater ponds are designed to prevent flooding and erosion and improve the quality of water before it is gradually released back into the nearest river or creek. Stormwater comes from rain and melted snow – this is the water that flows into catch basins on city streets. Catch basins lead to a large and complex network of pipes, culverts, stormwater ponds and creek systems. The City’s stormwater system is essential to keep the community healthy and safe – it protects water quality and lowers the risk of flooding which can damage properties and the environment.

To learn more about stormwater ponds in Vaughan, visit vaughan.ca/stormwater. 

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