Last updated: May 26, 2026

Background

The Victoria Hill Detention Pond was built in 2011 to help manage stormwater in the neighbourhood.

The pond was designed to collect stormwater that runs off roads, sidewalks, and rooftops, and hold onto it for a while. By slowing down the water, the pond helps prevent flooding and gives nature a chance to clean the water. While the water is in the pond, dirt and silt settle to the bottom. Tiny organisms, plants, and algae in the pond also help clean the water by breaking down some of the pollution. This means you might see more algae and green growth—especially in the hot, dry summer—so the water may not always look clear, but these plants and algae are a normal, healthy part of the pond’s process.

While these processes are expected, over time, they can affect how well the pond works. To ensure the pond continues to operate efficiently, the City completed a study to assess the pond’s current condition and performance.

Why Assess the Pond?

Assessments help us determine if the pond is managing stormwater effectively and protecting the neighbourhood and environment. They also guide how we maintain the pond and alert us early if any repairs or improvements will be needed in the future.

A recent assessment—completed in May 2026—found that while the pond continues to provide adequate flood control and catch sediment well, sediment accumulation and plant overgrowth are beginning to affect the pond’s overall performance and contributing to nuisance odours.

Recommended options to address these findings include:

• Removing built-up sediment
• Managing plants within and around the pond
• Finding ways to increase oxygen levels in the water to help improve water quality

Project Timeline

• Completed: A comprehensive assessment of the pond’s condition is now complete. The findings indicated that actions are required to restore performance and address odour issues.
• Ongoing: The City is currently evaluating the recommended remediation actions and is developing a plan to move forward.
• Upcoming: Future efforts will focus on implementing the selected remediation actions and creating a formal Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Plan. This proactive approach supports the pond’s health and performance over the long term.

Detailed schedules for future work will be determined as the project scope is finalized.

FAQs

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is the water from precipitation, such as rain or melted snow, that flows over the ground surface, streets, and other areas instead of soaking into the soil. This runoff can collect pollutants as it moves, eventually draining into storm sewers, streams, or rivers.

What is a stormwater detention pond?

A stormwater detention pond is an engineered feature designed to temporarily hold stormwater runoff during rain events. It helps manage water flow, reduces flooding risk, and allows pollutants and sediments to settle out before water is released downstream, improving the quality of water entering natural waterways.

Who is responsible for maintaining the pond?

The City took ownership of the pond in mid-2025 and will be responsible for maintaining the pond moving forward.

Will the City be removing sediment and plants?

Sediment buildup and plant overgrowth will be addressed through a detailed remediation plan. The City is currently evaluating the options to determine the most effective way to restore the pond’s efficiency.

Will the remediation work cause disruption to the neighbourhood?

The plants and algae growing in the pond are a normal part of the process. During the hot dry summer, more algae will be present, and the water may not always be clear.

How can you help?

Be mindful of what goes down the drain. Most of the water that goes into catch basins (lawn drains, roof drains) in this neighbourhood ends up in the pond. Excessive fertilizer, soap, fluids from vehicles will all have a negative effect on the pond and ultimately the downstream ecosystem. Also, never put unwanted pet fish and turtles into the pond or drains since they don’t belong there and can cause problems with how the pond works.

Contact

For more information on this project, please contact Meghan Doyle, Environmental Coordinator, at 778-791-3523 or .