Flooding only occurs during significant rain events. Neighbourhoods developed prior to 1989 were not constructed to the same standards and storage we install today. Significant rain events are now managed through wet and dry ponds, and have the ability to collect high volumes of storm water.

A dry storm water pond, or dry pond, is a storage area that temporarily holds rain water during intense rain events. The water is stored in the pond temporarily before it drains back into the underground pipe system. It is different from a wet pond in that most of the time the dry pond will not hold any water and can be used as park space.

The dry pond will be designed to hold the water that would otherwise be flooding streets and nearby properties during intense rain events.  This will be confirmed in the detailed design, however water in the pond can likely be expected once or twice a year on average.  Water will drain out of the pond within twenty-four hours after a storm, depending on the storm intensity. A layer of sub-drainage will be further evaluated as an additional measure to ensure that drainage meets standards while also considering geotechnical conditions and irrigation benefits.

The dry storm pond will provide approximately 12,000 m³ of storm water storage, reducing flooding at up to 35 properties around the intersection of Cumberland Ave and Main St during large storm events. Instead of storm water ponding on the street and possibly entering nearby basements, the storm water will be transported to the dry pond to mitigate flooding for the area.

The map below displays flood risk in the area under current conditions in the event of a 1 in 10-year storm, followed by a map displaying the flood risk during a 1 in 10-year storm once the dry pond and additional storm water infrastructure is in place.

Along with construction of a dry storm pond in Cumberland Park, new storm water sewer infrastructure will be installed on Cumberland Avenue South connecting the intersection of Cumberland Avenue South and Main Street to the northeast end of Cumberland Park.   

The small multi-purpose field that is currently located in Cumberland Park will be impacted by the project. A 70 metre by 40 metre recreation field is currently proposed as part of the concept design to be located on the pond floor of the new dry pond, allowing recreation to be restored in the park once construction is complete.

• Dry Pond Excavation and Landscape Construction: February to October 2025
• Storm sewer infrastructure: May to October 2025
• Park establishment: October 2025 to Fall 2026

Below is a map displaying the construction areas. 

Cumberland Park will not be available for use during construction. Construction fence will be installed around the work area.

The City will not install a permanent fence around the dry pond to keep the park inviting for use most of the time when the dry pond's bottom is not holding water.  While there will be a safety risk from the water during and immediately following intense rain events, a fence also creates safety risks of falls and entrapment.  Fences also detract from aesthetics, can catch debris, and require frequent maintenance.  Fences should only be used when their risk reduction and advantages outweigh the additional risks and disadvantages.

Signage will be posted around the dry pond to alert park visitors of the potential safety risks when the dry pond is flooded.

Approximately 2 trees are planned to be removed to allow for the installation of the storm sewer pipe connecting Cumberland Avenue South to the dry pond. Efforts will be made to preserve as many trees as possible during the detailed design and construction of the project. If tree removal is required, appropriate stakeholders will be informed, and the project will provide necessary compensation as outlined in City Council Policy C09-011 Trees on City Property.

If you've ever experienced flood damage, you know how devastating it can be.  Though parts of Saskatoon have always been susceptible to flooding, and flood protection measures to date have helped, climate change is expected to bring more frequent and intense storms.

In December 2018, City Council approved implementation of the nine-year $54 million Flood Control Strategy to mitigate flooding in ten areas that experience frequent flooding. Brevoort Park is the fourth area receiving upgrades as part of this Strategy.

Visit the Flood Control Strategy page for more information.

In 2019, the Government of Canada (Government) approved 40% cost sharing of the Flood Control Strategy's total estimated eligible expenses of $54.1 million, up to a maximum of $21.6 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The City approved Storm Water Utility funding of $32.4 million through previously approved increases to the Storm Water Management Charge to cover the other 60% of the expenses.

The Cumberland Park project is estimated to cost $3.4 million, with the City contributing 60% ($2.0 million) and the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund is contributing 40% ($1.4 million).