The uplifting trill of birdsong, neighbours greeting each other as they pass, a serene suburban landscape of quiet reflection and connection to nature. That scene of quietude and comfort in the ponds and pathways of Calgary’s new communities doesn’t come accidentally. There’s a lot of meticulous planning that goes into it, and today’s land developers are getting better at it.

The ponds and pathways in new communities are a key feature that not only attracts buyers to the community but also performs a function beyond just aesthetics. They are among the first amenities to become available in a new community, as developers realize the role they play in creating the character of a new neighbourhood.

The community pond, for instance, is pretty but is also a necessity where rainwater is directed to slow the flow of water to the creeks and rivers and prevent overland flooding. It also acts as a filter to prevent sediment from reaching vital waterways. The pathways built around them are landscaped to provide residents a soothing escape from the hectic urban life.

Combined, they provide an idyllic space for shared recreation. Joggers, bikers, and dog walkers all share this outdoor amenity that has become a prerequisite in Calgary’s new neighbourhoods.

The importance of ponds and pathways

Whether it’s the height of summer or a blustery winter day, community ponds and the pathways surrounding them are a perfect way to bring nature into neighbourhoods.

These winding paths that usually encircle an aesthetically designed storm pond are a source of relaxation and community building. But there’s more to them than just that.

Many of Calgary’s land developers know the importance of these storm ponds and pathways and they are among the first amenities to be built in the birth of a new community. The community storm pond, for the most part, is a necessity where rainwater is directed to slow the flow of water to the creeks and rivers, thereby preventing overland flooding. It also acts as a filter to prevent sediment from reaching vital waterways. The pathways built around them are landscaped to provide residents a soothing escape from the hectic urban life.

“Ponds and pathways play a key role in creating vibrant communities,” says Dan Seibel, Lead, Marketing & Customer Experience at Brookfield Residential in Calgary. “Ponds help manage storm water, support local ecosystems, and add natural beauty, while pathways connect residents to parks, amenities, and each other, encouraging active lifestyles and social interaction.”

“Ponds and pathways enhance aesthetics in the community” says Qualico CommunitiesMarketing Manager, Monica Bilyk. “They encourage outdoor activities and promote ecological balance. Ponds can serve as tranquil water features, attract local wildlife and foster a calming environment, while pathways provide safe, accessible spaces for walking, jogging or cycling, fostering a strong sense of community cohesion and health-conscious living.”

Calgary’s regional pathway

Calgary has a big advantage when it comes to regional pathways, as it is home to the Rotary/Mattamy Greenway. This one-of-a-kind regional pathway system is linked to walking paths of many individual communities giving everyone the opportunity to walk or bike around the city. It is the ring road of Calgary’s pathway system.

Development for the $50 million Rotary/Mattamy Greenway began in 2009, and today it is a 145-kilometre urban pathway system that encircles the entire City of Calgary. This major pathway transportation network serves Calgarians by providing a connected system throughout 55 communities around Calgary and also connects with almost 1,000 kilometres of existing pathways. The pathways can be used for commuting to work or for free recreation activities all year round.

The importance of storm ponds

According to the City of Calgary, the storm ponds that the newer communities feature hold an important function: they collect and hold rainwater and snowmelt before it reaches rivers, creeks, and streams.

According to the City’s storm pond safety website, this runoff collects sediment and pollutants (e.g. bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, vehicle fluids, metals, road salt) as it travels across properties, streets, and roads.

“By capturing and holding stormwater for a period of time, storm ponds allow sediments to settle out and provide some treatment for pollutants. The water is then slowly released to our rivers, creeks, and streams,” it says. ‘Slowing the speed and reducing the sediments and pollutants helps keep our rivers, creeks, and streams healthier.”

Designing community storm ponds

A lot of work goes into the design of a storm pond. It has a practical function to fulfill, and a major influence on the look and feel of the community itself.

The size of the storm pond is determined by several factors, says Mike Anderson, Senior Development Manager with Qualico Communities. “The biggest factor in sizing is the catchment area (how many acres of storm water are being collected by this pond). Every project will have several existing or future conditions that dictate how big the storm pond will be,” he tells Calgary New Home + Condo Guide.

“Additionally, the release rate of the pond will also determine the size. The release rate is the flow of water that can be released from the pond at a given time. The ponds release back into the surrounding creeks and back to the Bow River. All these factors are discussed and analyzed throughout the planning process and land use is assigned to the required pond area at that time.”

Brookfield Residential’s Seibel says planning ponds and pathways involves collaboration between developers, planners, engineers, landscape architects, and the municipal government.

“For ponds, size and design are based on storm water management requirements set by the city or municipality, which consider drainage area, soil type, rainfall, and local infrastructure,” he says. “Pathways are planned to ensure accessibility, connectivity, and alignment with broader community and transportation plans. Municipal approval is required for both features, and the design must meet regulatory guidelines before construction can proceed.”

Dawson’s Landing’s kidney ponds

Qualico has gone above and beyond the usual design of storm ponds with a truly unique water feature in its popular community of Dawson’s Landing in Chestermere.

“Dawson’s Landing was the first residential development in Canada and the world to implement a Stormwater Kidney™. The system cleans stormwater by circulating the water through spaces with a diverse ecosystem of plants and aquatic creatures so that nutrients contained in the stormwater nourish the living organisms,” Bilyk says.

“Ultimately, the storm ponds are designed to treat storm water collected from the catchment area to a level that it can be returned to the rivers/creeks,” Anderson adds. “The areas around a storm pond can have a variety of amenities and is project dependent. As an example, the pond built in Dawson’s Landing has walking paths, benches and boardwalks for the community.” Go to dawsonslanding.qualicocommunitiescalgary.com for more.

Brookfield Residential’s new pond design

Many of Brookfield Residentials Calgary communities are using the Nautilus Pond™ design, which the developer says is a natural feature that supports the environment, health, and home value.

“Brookfield Residential is always looking for new ways to improve our communities,” Seibel says. “Nautilus ponds are one of the newest additions we’re exploring to create healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods.”

Nautilus ponds are far from just decorative—they’re a sustainable, multi-functional solution that benefits the environment and the people living nearby, Seibel says. This innovative storm water treatment design allows for better use and retention of stormwater.

“Nautilus Pond™ is a high-performance surface water treatment environment. The treated water from the pond will be used to irrigate some of the greenspaces in the area,” he says.

In the Calgary region, Brookfield Residential uses the Nautilus Pond™ design in their Seton, and Livingston communities.

“Our latest are located in Livingston (north Calgary) on the east of 1st street NE,” he adds. “Livingston features two Nautilus Ponds, nearly seven acers of environmental reserve, two picnic areas and over three kilometers of pathway to enjoy.” Find out more about Livingston at experiencelivingston.com.

In their southeast community of Seton, Seibel says the latest pond was completed early this spring and includes multiple pathways and a brand-new play structure. More information about Seton is found at thesetonexperience.com.

Keeping storm ponds healthy and safe

Storm ponds are not like regular ponds. They collect runoff to protect communities from overland flooding and help clean water before returning it to the river. Any recreational activity on or in these ponds is not safe and is strictly prohibited under the Stormwater Bylaw. Additional safety warnings include:

• Maintain your yard and property to reduce runoff and prevent pollutants from washing into the street and entering the stormwater system.
• Never release fish (e.g. goldfish or Prussian carp) into storm ponds. Take them to the pet store or give them away. After your fish passes on don’t flush it. Bury it or dispose of it in the garbage to prevent the spread of disease.
• Don’t remove, cut or prune of any vegetation in or around the ponds or you may be fined.
• Pick up after your pet.

Source: City of Calgary. Calgary.ca