City of Calgary making safety improvements at 15 storm ponds

The City of Calgary plans to enhance the safety of over a dozen stormwater retention ponds starting this month. According to a news release issued on Thursday, these ponds were selected for their high priority in requiring safety upgrades. In Calgary, storm ponds are currently marked with signs warning against water entry. However, some ponds have unfortunately witnessed tragic incidents, such as the drowning of seven-year-old Drihanna Matamona in the Legacy Small Pond due to its dangerous conditions.

The city's safety improvements will involve installing new interpretive signage to raise awareness about potential hazards and planting thorny vegetation to create natural dense barriers. Additionally, permanent partial fencing and temporary seasonal fencing will be deployed to establish physical barriers preventing public access.

The city's crews will persist in evaluating other ponds, determining which should be the next recipients of safety enhancements. The list of ponds scheduled for improvements encompasses a variety of locations across the city.