City of Calgary making safety improvements at 15 storm ponds

The City of Calgary is undertaking significant safety enhancements at 15 stormwater retention ponds across the city, prioritizing locations identified as having the highest risk. These improvements are set to begin in mid-August.

The city has identified these ponds as needing urgent attention following a review of existing facilities. Currently, storm ponds are marked with "no entry" signs, but the new measures aim to bolster safety further. The enhancements will include the installation of interpretive signage to educate the public about the inherent risks associated with these water bodies.

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Through a review of ponds across The City, these locations were identified as the highest priority for safety enhancements

Additionally, crews will create natural barriers using dense, thorny vegetation and implement both permanent partial fencing and temporary seasonal fencing. These physical barriers are intended to restrict public access and reduce the likelihood of dangerous situations. The City of Calgary stated that ongoing assessments will determine which other ponds might require similar safety upgrades in the future.

One of the ponds slated for these critical improvements is the Legacy Small Pond in the southeast community of Legacy. This location tragically became the site of a drowning earlier this summer, where seven-year-old Drihanna Matamona lost her life. The inclusion of this pond in the upgrade plan highlights the city's response to recent events and its commitment to preventing future tragedies.

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Permanent partial fencing and temporary seasonal fencing will also aid in creating a physical barrier to public access