Stormwater Management

To manage the increased risks to flooding, erosion, watercourse health and aquatic life caused by stormwater runoff, the Town often requires developers to construct stormwater management ponds to control stormwater runoff from their subdivisions. Upon assumption of the development, the Town starts maintaining the stormwater management ponds.

The Town maintains 15 stormwater management systems and role in pond maintenance includes:

• Removal of sediments (as needed)
• Removal of debris in and around the pond 
• Maintenance of structures such as gates and valves
• Maintenance of surrounding vegetation and plants
• Vegetation replacement if required
• Bank stabilization to prevent erosion
• Pond monitoring

 Residents should abide by the following guidelines:

• Do not swim, wade, skate or boat within the stormwater pond
• Exercise safety around stormwater ponds, as conditions in the ponds can change rapidly, which can include fluctuating water levels and thin ice

SWM systems are approved for construction by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) who issue an Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for their construction based on the submission of engineered drawings.

SWM systems include works such as storm sewers, manholes, catchbasins, sediment forebays, dry ponds, wet ponds, oil and grit separators, headwalls and overflow spillways, etc. The SWM systems are located in residential, commercial and institutional developments throughout the Town of Bracebridge. Public Works inspects the SWM systems annually as mandated by the MOECC. Maintenance work is completed as required to ensure the various SWM systems operate as intended.

The Town does not maintain SWM facilities on private property.

2023 Stormwater Management System Annual Performance Report