Stormwater pond recreation rules created
By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
New policy establishing rules for the recreational use of Strathmore’s stormwater ponds was approved by town council, setting rink requirements and allowing for some boating.
Despite past recreation at stormwater ponds in Strathmore, particularly at Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lake, the town lacked policy to guide these activities. To address the gap, multiple staff departments collaborated over the winter to develop a new stormwater recreation policy for the town.
This new policy was presented to town council on March 17. Council voted to adopt the policy, in a 5-1 vote with Councillor Jason Montgomery voting in opposition. Councillor Melanie Corbiell was not in attendance at the meeting.
Under the policy, recreation is allowed for Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lake only. Use of Strathmore’s other stormwater ponds, both wet and dry, remains prohibited. Montgomery said he was against this restriction.
But there is an exception to this rule: the policy includes a provision for the CAO or director of infrastructure to approve the use of other stormwater ponds for recreation. This will allow residents of Aspen Creek community to continue to use an outdoor rink there, as was recommended by town administration.
Under the policy, the town at no time assumes risk that could result from any approved use of the lakes.
Out for a paddle
Going for a boat paddle in Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lake is now allowed under the new town policy, but only for certain watercraft.
The new policy permits the use of non-motorized watercraft in the two waterbodies. However, this only applies to watercraft where contact with the water is considered unlikely, namely canoes and paddleboats.
Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are not permitted, as using these watercraft is more likely to result in direct contact with the water. As these waterbodies receive runoff, they could have poor water quality. This means contacting their water could cause health concerns, explained Paul Salvatore, the town’s director of community and protective services.
Also permitted are radio-controlled watercraft no larger than 75 cm in length. Strathmore Lake has proved a popular spot for a community of remote sailboat racers, the Calgary Model Sailing Association.
Swimming and scuba diving, or any other activities resulting in direct contact with the water, are also prohibited.
Reeling it in
Fishing is allowed but must be catch and release.
Ice fishing is not permitted, however, as bore holes could affect the safety of the ice for skating, said Salvatore. “Every time you put a hole in the ice, you really don’t know whether or not that ice is going to come back and be as strong,” he said.
Skating solutions
Approved winter activities on the two stormwater ponds include skating, broomball, hockey and shinny.
For skating, the town will continue to regularly check ice quality and thickness. This is done to ensure staff can maintain the ice surfaces and the public can use the rinks.
Signs will be posted at the lakes indicating if the ice is considered safe for continued use, but this is provided as information only.
Restricting skating to Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lake will help limit the number of resource staff needed for monitoring and maintenance across town, said Salvatore.
Under the new policy, users may assume responsibility for snow debris removal, but they do so at their own risk. Shovelling and snowblowers are allowed, but motorized snow-clearing vehicles, which could potentially damage the ice surface, are not permitted. Ice-clearing activities must be approved in writing by the town’s CAO.