Drainage Maintenance
Rainfall and snowmelt create runoff that flows over roads, parking lots, and land. In rural areas, much of this water is absorbed by soil, but in urban areas, hard surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, rooftops, and parking lots limit absorption. To reduce flooding, runoff is directed into the Town’s drainage system, which includes catch basins, culverts, ditches, storm sewers, and storm ponds. Each component plays a vital role in managing stormwater effectively.
Our drainage system consists of:
Catch basins are often found at the sides of roads and are designed to drain excess rain and ground water from paved streets, parking lots, sidewalks into storm sewers, storm ponds and nearby natural drainage courses.
Ditches are located on the sides of roads and are specifically meant to drain water from land and roadways.
Based on design, ditches control how fast the water enters the drainage system (i.e. storm sewers and ponds). Some ditches allow water to flow into the groundwater table, minimizing the amount of water discharged to natural watercourses.
Ditches are inspected on a regular basis throughout the year to identify required maintenance.
The primary purpose of the storm sewer system is to convey surface water and reduce flooding. It collects runoff and transports untreated water through underground pipes to surface water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and storm ponds. Because this water is untreated, dumping hazardous substances into any part of the Town’s drainage system is prohibited.
Storm drains include features such as oil and grit separators to help reduce pollutants entering the environment. Regular maintenance and debris removal are essential to prevent blockages, ensuring the system functions properly and minimizes flooding risks to streets, homes, and businesses.
About Stormwater Management Ponds
Stormwater is rain or snowmelt that flows over hard surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, driveways, and rooftops instead of being absorbed into the ground. Sometimes, this runoff can pool and cause flooding.
Stormwater management ponds are human‑made features in many neighbourhoods that collect and temporarily store runoff. Ponds may be wet (holding water year‑round) or dry (remaining dry except after rain events). Both types are designed to control water flow and improve water quality before it is released into nearby creeks, rivers, or lakes.
How They Work
Stormwater flows from the storm sewer system into the pond, where sand, dirt, and attached pollutants settle to the bottom. Water is then released at a controlled rate, reducing flooding, erosion, and pollution in natural waterways.
This is beneficial because it can reduce flooding and erosion, trap pollutants such as oil, pesticides, bacteria and debris while also providing naturalized green space for wildlife.
Safety Information
Winter: Ice on stormwater ponds is unsafe due to changing water levels and flowing water beneath the surface.
Summer: Swimming, boating, fishing, and wading are unsafe and therefore prohibited due to contaminants, fluctuating water levels, and soft pond bottoms that can trap people or pets.
Prohibited Activities
Activities not permitted on stormwater pond property include skating, swimming, fishing, planting, dumping yard waste or garbage, altering vegetation, storing materials, installing access gates, disposing of pet fish, or releasing pool water or chemicals.
Maintenance
Stormwater ponds are maintained year‑round to ensure proper water flow.
Report A Problem
If you notice odours, beaver activity, or unusually high water levels, please report the issue to the Township for follow-up. Report A Problem
Did you Know?
Over time, sediment will accumulate in the pond reducing the pond’s ability to improve water quality. The Town will clean out ponds to restore the water quality function, as required.
Tay appreciates all inquiries relative to drainage concerns, including blocked culverts, damaged or blocked catch basins and/or plugged ditches.