Pond safety review recommends partial fence for Dundonald park

Almost six months after a 5-year-old autistic boy died after going into a pond near his Saskatoon school, a city committee studying pond safety is releasing its findings.

The review was launched last fall after Ahmed-Saddiq Elmmi was found in a retention pond near École Dundonald School. Staff lost sight of the kindergarten student during morning recess.

The city committee leading the investigation is proposing a number of recommendations.

For Dundonald Park, a 4-foot wrought iron fence is recommended on the school side of the park pathway.

Ward 4 councillor Troy Davies said he supports the recommendations.

“Speaking as a dad  and someone who lives in the community, I’m happy with what I see.”

Davies handled a lot of phone calls from concerned parents in the days after the tragedy. He said he’s pleased the city took its time and worked with stakeholders.

“It would’ve been easy to make a rush decision because there was so much grieving going on and a lot of people wanted answers immediately,” said Davies.

Other recommendations:

• Working with school divisions to educate students on storm pond safety.
• Revise storm pond signage for increased clarity, particularly for younger children and people with language barriers.
• Seeking professional advice to supplement the city’s current policies for ice testing and skating.
• Continue current design best practices for edging, drainage, and sediment control of future storm retention ponds.

The recommendations still need council approval.

The city will be sharing the recommendations with the public at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Peter School.

A meeting at École Lakeview School begins at 7 p.m.