(Supplied: County of Grande Prairie website)

By Abby Zieverink

one-year pilot: winter 2021/22

County pilots program for stormwater pond recreational use this winter

Nov 18, 2021 | 4:27 PM

A one-year pilot program is kicking off in the County of Grande Prairie, which is allowing some stormwater ponds to be used for recreational use under certain conditions.

Parks and Recreation presented refinements to the original stormwater ponds policy to council at Monday’s meeting, after council’s recommendation on October 4, 2021.

Council approved the policy as a one-year pilot for winter 2021/22 season at a council meeting on November 15, 2021.

Community Services Director Dan Lemieux says the county will work with community groups to identify potential stormwater ponds, adding this pilot program will allow for a maximum of four stormwater ice surfaces within residential neighborhoods.

“The objective is to make sure the ice thickness is appropriate, and the area is safe for use,” said Lemieux.

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“Stormwater ponds are different than a lake or a regular pond because stormwater ponds are designed to have water flow in and out of them,” he explained. “So, as water flows in and out of them, the thickness of the ice can be impacted.”

This is why, Lemieux says, the county wanted a policy and process to ensure that ice thickness is constantly monitored.

“We know that people are skating on stormwater ponds, and we want them to be able to do that safely.”

Lemieux says there are different safety protocols for stormwater ponds compared to the regular outdoor ice rink volunteer program.

“We’re training our staff on the guidelines for ice thickness. We will be measuring the ice and we’ll be identifying when it will be safe to use certain areas (and) the type of equipment that is allowed on the surface to clear the snow, there will be restrictions on that.”

Lemieux says the county felt it was important to formalize their position on stormwater ponds to encourage outdoor recreation, amongst residents during the pandemic.

“We want to make sure we encourage people to be active and use the recreational facilities, but we just want to make sure it’s done in a safe fashion.”

Council also directed administration at the November 15 council meeting to bring back a report to council in the second quarter of 2022 on the program.