Natural features like the Hudson Bay Wetland play important roles in managing Prince George's stormwater without needing to build assets like treatment facilities.
Why Managing Our Stormwater Matters
Prince George's stormwater drainage system collects runoff water from rainstorms, snow melt, and residential and commercial water usage. The water -
collectively called "stormwater" - travels through a network of pipes, culverts, and ditches, eventually making its way to a natural water course or retention pond.
Managing this stormwater is essential to prevent:
- Flooding
- Erosion
- Sedimentation/degradation of water quality
- Negative impact on aquatic life
Prince George's water and watersheds and how we adapt to climate change challenges affect the way we handle stormwater in our community.
Urban development also impacts peak flows by increasing the amount of areas that can't naturally absorb stormwater (unlike creeks and rivers, for example). Stormwater from building roof drains and asphalt parking lots flow into catch basins and from there enters the storm sewer system or a recharge chamber.
Integrated Stormwater Management Plan
Stormwater management is becoming a higher priority in Prince George because of more intense storms, aging infrastructure, and urban development.
As our community grows, there is potential for a drastic decrease in natural areas and increase in "hard" impervious surfaces, such as roads and buildings, that can't naturally absorb stormwater. Failing to manage stormwater properly can lead to issues such as erosion, contaminants in our creeks and rivers, and flooding on roads and properties.
What is the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan?
The Integrated Stormwater Management Plan (ISMP) is a strategic plan that outlines the City’s short to long-term goals for its stormwater management program and acts as a guide on how to achieve these goals.
The Plan looks at relationships between our land use, our infrastructure, and the environment and finds ways City policy, regulations, and infrastructure can guide community growth while maintaining (or ideally, improving) the health of our watersheds.
For more information:
What steps are being taken to implement the Plan?
We have a roadmap drawn up with several actions designed to chart our way to a more effective stormwater management plan. A better plan means more cost-effective ways of delivering stormwater management services to our community. That, in turn, protects local lives, properties, and keeps our environment healthy.
Where can I learn more about the Plan?
City Council Presentations
Documents and Other Resources
Stormwater System
How the System Works
System By the Numbers
- 385 kilometres of below ground piping.
- 690 kilometres of open ditch or drainage channels.
- 962+ culverts
- 5,789 catch basins
- 6 stormwater pumping stations
- 4,087 manholes
- 25 storage basins (detention and retention ponds).
- 224 inlet structures.
- 73 subsurface infiltration facilities.
- 293 outlets to receiving waters.
Preparing for the Spring Melt
Spring Melt Tips
- Make sure no debris (like leaves), plastic, or paper covers catch basin grates.
- Clean gutters and downspouts.
- Ensure proper drainage and grading away from properties.
-
DO NOT use lawn sprinklers to melt snow. Offenders will be subject to a City fine.
- If possible, work with neighbours to divert water to the closest storm drains.
- Shovel or blow snow away from property foundations, but not onto the street. Snow and ice can block storm drains.
- Residents in low-lying areas should be aware of flooding risks to their properties and plan accordingly.
Flood Mitigation
Flooding can happen for many reasons like surface water having no place to go due to frozen ground or storm system overloads due to large snow melts and rain.
Some ways to mitigate and prevent flooding include:
- Using sandbags, plastic sheeting, ditching, and clearing clogged drains and culverts.
- Purchasing sump pumps for homes that are at risk from basement flooding.
For more information:
Street Flooding and Ponding
Spring not only brings warmer temperatures, but also increases the threat of flooding. City utility crews travel throughout the city to monitor and report on problem drainage areas to catch issues before they get worse. Crews also track major ponding as they occur to prevent traffic problems and local flooding. These "ponding patrols" are on duty during peak melt season.
Contact us to report any instances of street flooding or ponding you come across.
Service Centre
Email: 311@princegeorge.ca
Phone: 3-1-1