Storm Ponds FAQs

Recreational use of Town of Strathmore Storm Ponds is only permitted on Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lakes. Please read the FAQs below for answers to common questions. Always Play Safe! 

Can I ice skate on my community storm pond?

• Recreational use of Town of Strathmore Storm Ponds is only permitted on Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lakes, and only within the areas cleared of snow by the Town.

• Skating is not permitted on any other Town of Strathmore storm ponds, without permission from municipal administration.

• The Town of Strathmore Parks Department clears snow from designated areas of these lakes and conducts daily measurements of the ice surface for the safe recreational use of the storm ponds.

• Safe skating activities are supported when the ice thickness has surpassed 10 inches. Do not clear snow from other areas or enlarge the skating surfaces.

• The designated areas have been selected as the sections of the lake least likely to experience erosion due to sub-surface water movement. 

• Parks staff will continue to monitor and maintain recreational areas on these two surfaces throughout the season. Please help us to ensure a safe skating season, and report any private equipment being operated on these lakes to our Municipal Enforcement Team (403-361-2112).

Good to know: Storm Ponds often seem still, but water is continually moving through our storm system. This can cause gaps beneath the ice or weak areas on the surface.

• Road salt and other runoff can cause the ice on storm ponds to be thinner and weaker.

• Storm pond water levels and flows can change rapidly, making skating or walking on the ice extremely dangerous.

• Inlets and outlets often have thinner ice coverage than in other areas of the lake. 

Can I swim, wade, or boat on my community storm pond?

• Water entering storm ponds brings all kinds of contaminants into the ponds, including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, animal waste, sediment and bacteria.

• To prevent contact with these contaminants, recreational activities such as swimming, boating or wading is prohibited on all ponds, with the exception of watercraft where contact with the water is considered unlikely. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are not permitted.

• Radio-controlled watercraft, propelled by wind or with electric motors, are permitted.

 Can I fish in the storm ponds?

• Fishing is permitted on Kinsmen Lake and Strathmore Lakes for those under 16 or over 65 years of age

• Follow Alberta Fishing Regulations.

• Catch and release is recommended, with the exception of invasive fish

  • These include Prussian Carp and Goldfish.

  • If invasive fish are caught, please follow the Alberta’s Fisheries Act which stipulates that the fish be killed and properly disposed of by placing the carcass in the garbage. See more information below about Prussian Carp and Goldfish. 

• Ice fishing is not permitted on Strathmore's storm ponds. 

Good to Know: Be aware of invasive species! Don't add to this problem - Do not dump aquarium pets or other fish into a pond.

• Prussian carp and goldfish are some of the most common invasive species found in our storm ponds.

• These fish are not native to Alberta and with a lack of natural predators or pathogens to keep them in check, they multiply quickly.

• If they reach the Bow River they will alter habitats, out-compete native species for limited resources and spread disease to native species.

• If you catch a Prussian carp, kill it and dispose of it. Do not put it back in the water.

What else should I know about invasive fish in our storm ponds?

• Prussian carp and goldfish are some of the most common invasive species found in our storm ponds.

• Visit the government of Alberta website for more information: 

• • https://www.alberta.ca/invasive-fish-species.aspx

Why does the water not always look or smell good?

• Water running into the ponds contains often contains nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) that cause excessive algal blooms and undesirable weed growth.

• When the algae and plants die due to normal cycles, overcrowding, cold night time temperatures, chemical treatment or lack of nutrients, the decomposition process reduces the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water.

• This makes it difficult for aquatic species to live and also intensifies water odour.

• Bacteria from animal waste along with other contaminants are health hazards to humans and pets and decreases the quality of water in the pond.  

Good to Know: Hot, dry weather can also trigger algae to bloom quickly.

Beware of blue-green algae blooms. It can produce harmful toxins that cause serious side effects for people and pets. Keep dogs away from water with blue-green algae. Read more from Alberta the Alberta government about this: 

Other Inquiries?

Connect with the Infrastructure team:

• 403-361-2108

• infrastructure@strathmore.ca