Stormwater Ponds

Stormwater management ponds are specifically designed to help manage rain and snowmelt from streets, roofs and yards. They remove dirt, fertilizer, pesticides and other pollutants so cleaner water flows to local creeks and rivers. The City of Brantford maintains stormwater ponds across the community.

Why they matter

Ponds reduce the risk of flooding and prevent erosion downstream. They also protect watercourse health and aquatic life by helping to filter and settle contaminants before water moves on.

How they work

Stormwater runs into catch basins at the curb and travels through underground pipes to the pond. In the calm water, sediment settles and plants help absorb nutrients and other pollutants. Water then slowly flows from the pond into nearby streams.

Entering the pond or its banks is prohibited by City by-laws.

Important safety information

• Stay off the ice in winter. Water levels and flows change rapidly making skating or other activities extremely dangerous. Run-off from road salts into these ponds also makes the ice thinner and weaker. A listing of available outdoor rinks can be found on our Outdoor Ice Rinks and Skating page.

• Obey all posted signs. They are for your safety.
• Do not swim, wade, boat or otherwise enter the pond. Contact with pond water is dangerous and prohibited.
• Water levels can rise quickly during storms. Keep children and pets away from the water’s edge.

How you can help protect ponds

• Do not trim grass or plant gardens in and around the pond. Native vegetation stabilizes shorelines, prevents erosion, filters sediments, intercepts rainfall, helps deter geese and supports local habitat.
• Do not stock or dump fish in a pond. It is illegal.
• If there is a trail, stay on it and keep well back from slopes, vegetated buffers and outflow structures.
• Do not dump waste into storm sewers, creeks, or ponds. Pollutants harm the environment and public safety.