Stormwater

Did you know stormwater ponds are unsafe for skating?

Please stay off frozen stormwater ponds and keep clear of waterways.

Drowning doesn't just happen to non-swimmers in the summer. Approximately 35 per cent of drownings in Canada occur from October to April when most people have no intention of going into the water, such as falling through ice or slipping down a creek bank.

With the arrival of colder temperatures, the Town of Milton, Town of Oakville, Town of Halton Hills, City of Burlington and Conservation Halton are launching a joint winter water safety campaign to educate residents about the dangers associated with waterways at this time of year.

Areas with frozen lakes, ponds, channels and reservoirs can be beautiful places to visit during the winter months but all too often many people risk their lives by venturing onto frozen water. 

While temperatures have declined since November’s unseasonably warm days, we are experiencing frequent freeze-thaw cycles, resulting in the melting of accumulated snow and ice cover. This runoff will create hazardous conditions near all waterways, by contributing to higher water levels and fast flowing waterways. As well, slippery and unstable stream-banks and extremely cold water temperatures can also lead to very hazardous and dangerous conditions close to any body of water.

Stay safe this winter and remember the following tips:

• Keep family members and pets away from all bodies of water
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water

Stormwater ponds also collect rain water and melting snow from nearby roads. These roads are salted and runoff from the roads enters the storm ponds. Combined with fluctuating water levels due to continual flow in and out of the storm pond, the higher concentration of salt in the pond water further contributes to the instability of the ice. 

For your safety, please do not skate or walk on the ice on stormwater ponds. 

Ice Safety and Cold Water Facts

• Water in Ontario is colder than you think.
• Cold water can cause shock.
• You can only survive a few minutes in cold water.
• Most drownings occur in water less than 20 degrees Celsius.
• No ice is without risk.
• Snowmobiling over frozen bodies of water poses a large risk.

What is stormwater?

Water generated from a variety of sources, including rain, snowmelt or excess water from residential and commercial properties is referred to as stormwater.

This water flows and reaches one or a combination of systems designed to transport stormwater such as swales (a v-shaped ditch), roadside ditches, storm sewers and creeks. Through these channels, the water is ultimately discharged into Lake Ontario. 

It is the City of Burlington's responsibility to manage the city's sewer system and creeks to ensure stormwater runoff is safely carried away to reduce the risk of flooding.

Stormwater vs. Wastewater

Wastewater is water that has been used in a household for washing and flushing, or in a manufacturing process, and so contains waste products. This water is carried away through the sanitary sewer system, treated and then safely discharged into Lake Ontario.

Halton Region is responsible for managing Burlington's wastewater and sanitary sewer systems. To learn more, visit www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Water-and-Environment/Wastewater.

How does stormwater drainage work?

Stormwater drainage is provided through a variety of interconnected systems which can be classified into two categories.

Stormwater Projects in the City of Burlington

On Aug. 4, 2014, the City of Burlington received nearly two months of rain (191 milimetres) in approximately eight hours. The record rainfall caused significant flooding and damage in parts of the city. Roads, highways and more than 3000 homes were flooded.

Following the Aug. 4, 2014 flood, the city hired AMEC Foster Wheeler, one of Ontario's leading stormwater consulting experts, to work with city staff to analyze the Aug. 4 storm and its impacts on Burlington's stormwater drainage system and to suggest flood mitigation measures.

The preliminary findings from the Flood Vulnerability, Prioritization and Mitigation Study were presented to Burlington City Council on July 15, 2015. At this meeting, Council voted to approve an additional $20.4 million to funds already budgeted for stormwater infrastructure improvements. These additional funds will be spent over the next ten years on stormwater management capital upgrades, such as larger creek culverts and creek channel improvements.

For more information about the flood mitigation study and the recommendations approved by Council, visit Flood Reports and Studies.

Visit our Stormwater Management Projects page for a list of ongoing projects.

*Updated* Stormwater Management Design Guidelines

The City of Burlington recently approved an updated Stormwater Management Design Guidelines document.  These guidelines align the City’s stormwater management system with current best management practices, current regulatory requirements and incorporate the latest technological advances into the City’s stormwater management methodologies.

The new guidelines are available here: Stormwater Management Design Guidelines [PDF]

Stormwater Drainage on Private Property - What You Can Do

The number of extreme weather events in Canada is increasing. 2013 was Canada's worst year for weather-related damage to properties with a record $3.2 billion in insurance claims paid out as a result of flooding in southern Alberta and Toronto alone.

In light of extreme weather events, the city and residents each have a role to play in protecting our homes and businesses.

There are a number of things private property owners can do to help mitigate the risk of flooding.

Learn more about the ways you can protect your home or business at Flood Prevention Homeowner Resources, which includes information on the Home Flood Protection Assessment Program developed by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo.