Stormwater Management Ponds

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do they work?

  During rainfall, stormwater flows into the pond through storm sewers.  As the pond fills, dirt, sediment, and pollutants settle down to the bottom. When the pond fills to capacity, the water spills out at a controlled rate to reduce flooding and erosion to local waterways, while the pollutants and sediment are left behind. In the pond, aquatic plants help with the treatment of pollutants. Plants around the edges of the pond help to stabilize banks and shade the water.

• What are the benefits?

  •  Trapping dirt, sediment, and pollutants 
  •  Providing habitat for wildlife 
  •  Protecting the natural environment from contaminants and erosion 
  •  Flood reduction  
• How are stormwater management ponds maintained?

  • SWM ponds have minimum amounts of maintenance, as they are intended to be a naturalized area. The Township mows a strip of grass on each side of the maintenance roads to ensure safe access for vehicles.
    It should be noted that there is a difference between a maintenance road and a trail. Although passive use such as  walking the maintenance roads of the SWM ponds is permitted, the materials used to construct the maintenance roads are different than trails. Trails are constructed with limestone screenings to promote walking for everyone, including strollers. Maintenance roads are typically constructed of a coarser gravel which might cause issue for people with limited capabilities.
  • Unless beavers and wildlife are causing issues with the infrastructure of the SWM pond we will NOT remove or disturb them.
  • When sediment accumulation in the SWM pond has reached a point where the pond is not operating as intended, sediment removal is required. This is often done by dredging the pond. Once sediment dredging is complete, the SWM pond is returned to its original design capacity and is again capable of providing effective hydraulic and water quality control.
• Are stormwater management ponds inspected?

  The effective long-term operation of SWM ponds relies on effective inspection and maintenance practices.

  Measurement of sediment depth is performed along with more regular inspections of the pipes, inlets and outlets of the SWM pond, erosion, and any other observations that may indicate the SWM pond is not functioning as intended.

• Am I permitted to access stormwater management ponds?

  No. Please remember there are no activities such as swimming, fishing, or boating permitted on SWM ponds. SWM ponds can be enjoyed visually and through passive recreational activities such as walking by them and observing wildlife, including bird watching. It is important to always practice safety around a SWM pond as water levels can change quickly.

  Please stay off SWM ponds at all times!

  To report a complaint please email  by-law@king.ca ​ and provide your name, contact information and the location and activities. 

• Am I permitted to skate on frozen stormwater management ponds?

  No. SWM ponds are unsafe for walking on, skating, ice hockey, and all other activities. Accessing a SWM pond at any time, even if the surface appears frozen, is not permitted. For more information from the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority please click here.
  
  Possible dangers include:

  • Continuous flow of water in these ponds causes the ice that forms in winter to be unstable
  • Varying ice depth across the pond’s surface
  • Many ponds collect road runoff that may contain salt, which lowers the freezing temperature of the water

  Please stay off SWM ponds at all times!

  To report a complaint please email  by-law@king.ca ​ and provide your name, contact information and the location and activities. 

  For information on public skating, skinny hockey, and outdoor rinks that are available for use within King Township please visit king.ca/OutdoorRinks 

• Where can I find more information?

  To view the Comprehensive Stormwater Management Master Plan please visit our Master Plans page here.    

  Where applicable, the Township of King identifies habitat enhancement opportunities throughout the municipality. Enhancements include conducting native tree and shrub plantings and installing bird nesting boxes. Environmental Stewardship encourages residents to report wildlife sighting/observations of natural features throughout the municipality. To get involved in habitat enhancement projects throughout the municipality please visit king.ca/EnvironmentalStewardship

  To view a helpful guide on Living Next Door to Nature provided by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) please click here.

  For more information regarding SWM ponds in the Township of King please contact: 
  
  Public Works Department
  Colin Parks, Project Manager
  905-833-5321 x.6568 cparks@king.ca