A new safety fencing project around stormwater ponds in Calgary’s Mahogany community has divided residents, with some welcoming the measures as necessary protection for children while others fear they could damage the neighbourhood’s natural beauty, affect wildlife and limit recreational activities.
Located in southeast Calgary, Mahogany is known for its lakes, wetlands, natural water features and stormwater ponds. Many residents consider these landscapes and the surrounding environment among the neighbourhood’s main attractions.
However, the City of Calgary has installed partial fencing at several locations as part of efforts to improve public safety.
Residents Raise Concerns Over New Fences
Some Mahogany residents believe warning signs would be a more appropriate solution than installing fences around ponds.
They argue that Calgary has numerous stormwater ponds and that building safety structures at every location could involve significant expenses while changing the natural character of residential communities.
One resident questioned how long authorities would continue installing fences around public spaces, adding that parents also have a responsibility to supervise their children and ensure their safety.
Another resident expressed concern about the potential impact on birds and other wildlife. She said people had chosen to live in Mahogany because they wanted to enjoy its lakes, ponds and natural surroundings.
For these residents, preserving the area’s environmental character is just as important as addressing safety concerns.
Support Grows Following Child’s Drowning Tragedy
Other residents have welcomed the fencing project, arguing that additional safety measures are necessary to prevent accidents.
Their concerns have been heightened by the death of a six-year-old girl who drowned in a pond in Calgary’s nearby Legacy community during the summer.
One local resident said the fences could make potentially dangerous areas more visible and help alert people to the risks around the ponds.
She acknowledged that fencing might not completely prevent access to the water but argued that it could still provide an additional layer of protection.
$47,000 Project Includes $7,000 for Fencing
According to the City of Calgary, the installations were carried out under a direction issued by City Council in 2021 to improve public safety at locations considered to be higher risk.
In Mahogany, fencing was installed at sites where unauthorised construction of temporary ice-skating rinks had previously occurred or where similar activities were considered possible in the future.
The city says the overall project cost approximately $47,000, with around $7,000 specifically spent on installing the safety fences.
City Says Warning Signs and Natural Barriers Already in Place
City officials say a substantial number of warning signs are already installed around the stormwater ponds.
They also explained that natural vegetation and shrubs planted alongside the fences are expected to grow thicker over time, providing an additional barrier against unnecessary access to the water.
The approach is intended to combine physical fencing with natural landscaping and existing warning signs.
Balancing Public Safety and the Natural Environment
The fencing project has highlighted a broader debate about how Calgary should manage public spaces that combine recreational use, natural landscapes and potential safety risks.
While some residents believe stronger barriers are necessary to protect children, others want the city to consider less intrusive alternatives that preserve wildlife habitats and the neighbourhood’s appearance.
For Mahogany, the challenge remains finding a balance between protecting residents, maintaining access to outdoor spaces and preserving the natural features that make the community attractive.
