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Stormwater Management Ponds

One of the primary mandates of the TRCA is to manage flood prone areas; therefore we review the design of new stormwater management facilities to ensure that they comply with quantity control standards.

Facts about Stormwater Management Ponds

Stormwater management ponds work to collect and retain urban stormwater. They contain rainfall surges and release them slowly to reduce downstream flooding. Most stormwater management facilities are owned and operated by the local municipality, although there are a number of privately owned stormwater management facilities (e.g., in some industrial areas). The Ministry of the Environment provides standards for the design of stormwater management facilities in the Storm Water Management Practices Manual (MOE, 2003) which describes the required pond volumes and safety features for ponds.

One of the primary mandates of the TRCA is to manage flood prone areas; therefore we review the design of new stormwater management facilities to ensure that they comply with quantity control standards. We also review the design of the facilities for quality and erosion control components. The TRCA has also undertaken a program to partner with our member municipalities to review existing stormwater management facilities and to identify potential opportunities for retrofits (upgrading dry ponds to wet ponds in order to provide quality control in areas which were previously only treated for quantity control). There are over 700 stormwater management facilities within TRCA's jurisdiction.

Safety Tips Around Stormwater Management Ponds:

  • Exercise safety at all times around frozen ponds or bodies of water. Even if a pond appears to be frozen solid never attempt to go on the ice. If you see someone go through the ice do not attempt to rescue them - call 911 immediately.
  • Never go swimming in stormwater management ponds and stay well back from the edge of the water.
  • Be aware that the water level can rise rapidly in a stormwater management pond after a rainfall event.
  • Storm ponds include safety features in their design, such as flat side slopes around the permanent pool (flatter areas at edges) and dense vegetation to keep the public away from hazardous areas. Be sure to follow the advice of posted warning signs and stay away from vegetated barriers.


If you have questions regarding a Stormwater Management Pond please contact your local municipality.