Stormwater Analysis Project

Stormwater is rainwater and snowmelt that flows over land into storm drains, streets, and natural areas. As it moves, it can often carry pollutants such as leaves and litter along the way. To help manage this and protect our rivers, The City of Red Deer uses stormwater ponds amongst other mechanisms and infrastructure—both dry and wet—to reduce flooding and improve water quality. As part of ongoing environmental and water conservation efforts, The City is completing sediment analysis to better understand how these ponds are functioning and when maintenance is needed.

What is stormwater?

Stormwater is runoff from rain or snowmelt that flows over land and into drains and waterways, sometimes carrying pollutants.

What are stormwater ponds?

Stormwater ponds collect and manage runoff. Some ponds temporarily hold water (dry ponds), while others hold water year-round (wet ponds). Both help slow water flow and allow sediment and pollutants to settle before water continues through the system.

What work is being done?

The City of Red Deer has hired Hydrasurvey to complete pond sediment analysis at stormwater ponds across the city.

This work helps us understand what has collected at the bottom of the ponds over time and determine when maintenance or clean-out is needed.

Why is this work important?

Sediment naturally builds up in stormwater ponds over time. Monitoring these levels helps The City maintain infrastructure, reduce flood risk, and protect the environment.

What will I see during this work?

You may notice:

  • Crews working near or on stormwater ponds.
  • Small boats, drones, and survey equipment.
  • Equipment scanning and mapping the pond bottom.

This technology measures sediment levels and helps create detailed maps of the ponds.

When and where is this happening?

Crews will move between stormwater pond sites from late May to mid-June 2026, beginning in the City’s Northwest and moving South, namely:

  • Northwest & West
    • Queens Industrial
    • Burnt Lake Industrial
    • Edgar Industrial
  • North & Central
    • Civic Yards
    • Three Mile Bend Trails
    • Discovery Canyon
    • Michener
    • Micheal O'Brian Wetlands
    • Evergreen
  • Northeast
    • St. Joseph High School
    • Timberlands
    • Timber Ridge
    • Clearview Ridge
  • West & Southwest
    • Westpark
    • Southpoint Junction
    • Westerner Park
  • South-Central
    • Anders South
    • Sunnybrook South
    • Waste Management Facility
  • Southeast
    • Vanier Woods
    • Laredo
    • Vanier East
Will this affect me?

This work is expected to have minimal impact on nearby residents, schools, and businesses.

  • No traffic disruptions are expected.
  • Crews will access ponds mainly through nearby pathways.
  • Work will be temporary and localized.
  • No action is required.

This information is being provided for awareness as crews move throughout the stormwater areas.

Who can I contact for more information?

For more information, contact:

Jarrett Dechant
Project Coordinator | The City of Red Deer
Jarrett.Dechant@reddeer.ca 
403-342-8750