Stay Safe and Stay Off Stormwater Ponds

Stay Safe and Stay Off Stormwater Ponds

Storm Water Ponds are not for recreation.

The Town of Shelburne Public Works is reminding people to stay off stormwater ponds, for any type of recreational use.  The Town of Shelburne has 12 stormwater management ponds, which store and treat rainwater. While some of the ponds in those areas may look natural and ok to skate on, their purpose is for collecting stormwater runoff, which means they contain moving water throughout the year, creating unpredictable and unsafe conditions.

The ponds may look safe and appeal to skaters and other recreational activities, but they are unsafe. It’s what's below the surface that makes storm water ponds different from regular ponds, this combined with melting snow and contaminants such as de-icing salts, result in water flow and levels which can change quickly without warning, and prevent the formation of reliable, safe ice. 

Extreme caution should always be taken when around stormwater management ponds. 

The Town’s by-law department will continue to monitor and enforce those participating in any activities on the Stormwater ponds in Shelburne.

Shelburne Stormwater Ponds Facts:

• Waters levels can fluctuate drastically, both rising and falling quickly, which can further hinder the formation of reliable, safe ice
• Shelburne Fire Department is strictly shore based and won’t go into the water for rescues
• Our deepest pond is approximately 2 meters or 6.5 feet deep, this can be a dangerous depth if a child were to fall through

With many activities postponed due to COVID 19, people are looking for outdoor activities. Below is a list of Skating rinks and links to trails within the Town of Shelburne. 

Skating Rinks 

• Greenwood Park - Open

• Hyland Skating Track – Open 

• KTH Rink - Closed

Trails 

Discover the many Trails by using the Towns walking app Get Walking Shelburne