Stormwater Management | City of Fort Saskatchewan

Fort Saskatchewan’s stormwater system helps protect homes, infrastructure, and the environment by safely directing rain and snowmelt away from developed areas. It includes storm drains, ponds, wetlands, ditches, underground pipes, and even lot grading, all working together to reduce flooding and manage surface runoff. Learn how the system works and what you can do to help keep it functioning effectively.

Ponds and wetlands, known as stormwater management facilities, are able to:

gather rainfall and surface water runoff
reduce the possibility of flooding, erosion and property damage
provide a habitat for birds and animals
help improve the quality of water flowing to the river by filtering sediment and other pollutants.

Find out what you can do to help keep the water flowing where it needs to go during:

Heavy Rainfall

During heavy rainfall, some ponding on the roads and higher water in greenbelts is normal. The stormwater system will catch up and drain the water where it needs to go. Please note, it can take up to 2 days for water levels to return to normal.

Some important things homeowners can do to help reduce the risk of basement flooding during a storm are:

Direct water flow from downspouts at least 1.5 metres from the basement wall.
Seal any cracks between your house and driveway.
Make sure your sump pump is working properly. Check it by slowly pouring water into the sump tank. Watch for the "float" to rise and trigger the pump. Once the pump has started, the water level will quickly lower and the float will shut off the pump.
If you have a rain barrel, make sure the overflow is directed away from your house.
Grade and landscape to make sure there is a positive slope away from the wall for at least the first 1.5 metres (5 feet). The ground should drop a minimum of 75mm (3 inches) in this area.
Use landscaping to disperse the water more evenly.
Aerate your lawn, especially if it is hard and compacted, to help water soak into the ground.
If you live beside a stormwater pond, leave natural plants along the shoreline. The plants help to slow the flow of water, which helps prevent flooding downstream.

Freeze-Thaw Conditions

Freeze-thaw cycles can occur through the winter and. Melting snow drains from roofs, yards and driveways and can create icy conditions when temperatures freeze again.

Stormwater pipes, drains, gutters and culverts can freeze and block water from draining from streets. If you notice a frozen storm drain please report any issues through Fort Report or call Public Works at 780-992-6248.

To help ensure spring runoff flows smoothly, take the following steps:

Check your culverts and use a shovel to help open up any blockages
Keep stormwater drains clear of debris and ice
Clear debris out of eavestroughs
Point downspouts away from your home
Make sure your sump pump is draining
Double check that your weeping tiles are in working order

Storm Pond Safety

Storm ponds often contain natural plants to make them look pleasing in our neighbourhoods while they act as flood managers. Although storm ponds may look like a nice spot for a swim or skate, they are not designed for recreational use, no matter what the season.

The City of Fort Saskatchewan does not permit the recreational use of its storm ponds and signs are posted with this restriction.

Stay Off the Storm Ponds

Wet storm ponds are not designed for recreation, they're designed to filter and control the flow of storm water back to the river.
Ice thickness on storm ponds is unpredictable and unstable because water is flowing under the ice
Water levels change quickly, forming air pockets under the ice. This can cause the ice to break and fall through the air pockets.
Water moving through the storm water pond can be warmer and turbulent and melt ice faster. Even if the water has frozen all the way to the bottom, channels of water can still cut through.

Looking for a safe place to skate?

Fort Saskatchewan offers maintained outdoor and snowbank rinks, plus the scenic skating loop at West River’s Edge, located on a fishing pond with regularly monitored ice thickness and a groomed surface for your enjoyment.

Outdoor Rink Locations Map

For any questions or inquiries, contact us online through Fort Report.

For safety concerns of activities on a facility, please call Municipal Enforcement at 780-997-7930.

Related pages

EPCOR: Stormwater ponds

Fort Report

Outdoor Rinks