Calgary considers new safety measures around retention ponds after boy drowns
Posted Jul 4, 2018 7:03 am.
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The City of Calgary plans to revisit safety measures around retention ponds after a five-year-old autistic boy drowned last week in the community of Saddle Ridge.
While the city is hesitant to do so, the more than 200 ponds which are part of Calgary’s drainage system could be fenced off.
Councillor George Chahal says it’s a discussion that needs to happen, adding public safety is important.
“We need to look at, to make sure we have barriers in place, whether they’re natural or other types of barriers, to ensure that access to those stormwater retention ponds is not given to prevent tragedies like this,” he said.
He says although they may be a nice, natural feature, the stormwater ponds are not meant for public use since they aren’t lakes or wading pools.
Chahal would like to see better signage around the ponds that are easily understood by young children.
