Stormwater Management

Why should we care about managing our stormwater?

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

Urban development, in particular, impacts peak flows by increasing the number of areas that can't naturally absorb stormwater (unlike creeks and rivers). Instead, stormwater from building roof drains and asphalt parking lots flows into catch basins and from there enters the storm sewer system or a recharge chamber.

Our stormwater story

Our stormwater system at a glance

Prince George's stormwater system consists of a massive network of pipes, drains, and other infrastructure that works together to divert water to its intended destinations. We have:

440 km of below-ground storm sewer pipe (including service connections)
696 km of ditches
971 culverts
6,293 catch basins
6 stormwater pump stations
4,304 manholes
34 ponds and wetlands
608 inlets and outlets

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:
- Download the ISMP Guiding Document and Roadmap (December 2021) [PDF]
City Council Presentations
Documents and Other Resources
- Download the Integrated Stormwater Management Plan [PDF]

Spring melt and flooding

Spring is a time for renewal, but it also means renewed risks of flooding as snow melts and our stormwater system works to avoid being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of water entering the network.

Here are some things you can do to help us and, in a worst-case scenario, mitigate flooding on your property or in your neighbourhood.

- 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.
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.
Warmer temperatures also increase the threat of flooding. Our 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

The 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 an 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.