Minister calls review of storm ponds ‘positive first step’ in wake of drowning

Education Minister Bronwyn Eyre said a comprehensive review of civic storm ponds by the City of Saskatoon is a “positive first step” in addressing concerns about Saskatoon’s unfenced water features stemming from the death of a kindergarten student earlier this week.

Identified by family as Ahmedsadiq Elmmi, the boy was recovered from a retention pond near Ecole Dundonald School and was pronounced dead in hospital. The last time a student died while in the care of the division was Oct. 9, 1980, when a firewall collapsed at College Park School, according to the Saskatoon Public School Division (SPSD).

Angela Gardiner, acting manager of transportation and utilities, said Thursday the city would be closely examining all of its storm ponds as a result of the death.

The review is welcome by the provincial government. “The fact that it’s a comprehensive review means that it will take into account all of the variables,” Eyre said Friday.

She said the provincial government is listening to stakeholders ranging from division staff and families to civic leaders like Mayor Charlie Clark.

Ray Morrison, board chair of the SPSD, said it’s too early to know whether the review will help address the issue.

He said he had discussions with Clark on student safety ahead of a meeting between city administration and division officials Friday.

“We both agree that we need to look at these situations on an individual, case-by-case basis and do the right thing for the community and to not do a one-size solution that will probably not meet anybody’s needs in the end,” he said.

He said division officials are “willing to look at all of the possible solutions.”

Troy Davies, councillor for Ward 4 — where Ecole Dundonald School is located — said he supports the review.

Davies said he has heard from roughly 100 people on the issue, noting it’s the largest amount of feedback he’s ever received so quickly during his time on council.

Davies said the review will help the city be prepared — and proactive — on any recommendations that may come out of the investigations by the Office of the Coroner and the Saskatchewan’s Advocate for Children and Youth.

“The last thing I want to see is any delays on this and I think that goes across the board — from administration, through council, though the mayor,” he said. “We want action on this.”