What Are Stormwater Ponds?

Stormwater Ponds are a natural way to manage rainfall and snowmelt that runs off the land into storm sewers, streams and lakes, helping prevent flooding in urban areas.

The ponds collect, absorb, filter and control stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding downstream. This natural asset solution performs the same task as costly human-made infrastructure and provides the community with many co-benefits such as recreation and enhanced greenspace.

Why is this important

Stormwater run-off from development in Upper Gibsons flows into Charman Creek and into the White Tower Park pond, which helps to clean and filter the water, and finally into the ocean as a naturally treated product.

If these creeks and ponds stopped performing their current functions, flooding downstream could occur and either development in Upper Gibsons would have to slow or stop, or engineered infrastructure would need to be constructed (at an estimated cost of $4 million) and maintained.

In light of this, the Town works to keep the White Tower Park pond and the forested wetland area healthy and functioning through general maintenance and routine dredging to remove excess sediment to maintain water storage capacity.

Project Update

After being on hold for two years, work began in the fall of 2023 and is now complete, with the exception of the signage. The work involved restoring previously infilled wetlands, protecting Charman Creek, managing flood risk, and enhancing resilience against climate change. Key activities include sewer realignment, pond excavation, native plantings, trail development, and informational signage installation. This project aims to improve stormwater quality, expand the park, and strengthen community connections to natural resources.