Stay off stormwater ponds

Stormwater ponds may look safe to skate on – but they are not! The City of Vaughan is reminding citizens that stormwater ponds are not designed or intended for recreational use, such as skating or sledding – no activities on this ice are safe.

The City maintains more than 150 stormwater ponds – human-made infrastructure built to gather rainfall and surface water runoff. The ponds temporarily hold this water before releasing it slowly back into the environment at a controlled rate. This process means water is constantly flowing in and out of the pond, and, therefore, water levels are always changing. Due to this process, the thickness of the ice is highly unpredictable, which makes any activity on it hazardous and unsafe.

For a safe place to skate in Vaughan, visit one of the City’s five outdoor rinks: Chancellor Community Centre, Dufferin Clark Community Centre, Father E. Bulfon Community Centre, ​​Garnet A. Williams Community Centre and Vellore Village Community Centre, weather permitting. For more information on hours of operation, safety guidelines and important measures while on and off the ice, visit vaughan.ca/skate.

The toboggan hill at North Maple Regional Park, the off-leash dog park at 299 Racco Pkwy, and the many recreational trails and nature walks around Vaughan are other fun options for those looking to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. 

Stormwater has several environmental impacts. Excess runoff that does not soak into the ground can pick up pollutants such as oil, pesticides, bacteria and trash prior to flowing into rivers and lakes. The City is committed to protecting the environment and fostering a sustainable future, while delivering Service Excellence, as outlined in the Council-approved 2018-2022 Term of Council Service Excellence Strategic Plan.

Citizens can help minimize stormwater pollution by taking these easy actions today:

• Put trash where it belongs and report litter.
• Never pour toxic chemicals or medication down drains or catch basins.
• Dispose of toxic products (like engine oil, paints, solvents and others) at local household hazardous waste centres.

To learn more about the City’s stormwater ponds, visit vaughan.ca/stormwater.

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