Sump pumps and skating rinks

This shows what happens when the sump pump empties onto an impervious surface.
This shows what happens when the sump pump empties onto an impervious surface.

North Leaside has lots of groundwater; the trouble is some of it ends up on the sidewalk. And at this time of year that means you end up with a skating rink. This is what happened recently at a new build on Rykert Crescent. Sump pumps are often required when basements are dug down deep into the ground. The pictures show what happens when the sump pump empties onto an impervious surface, flows down the steps and onto the sidewalk, resulting in a thick layer of ice. Pedestrians, beware!

Of course this is not what is supposed to happen. The City requires that sump pump discharge be onto the lawn, which was not done in this case. Hopefully this will be fixed soon, in time for the warmer weather.

About Geoff Kettel 226 Articles
Geoff Kettel is a community connector and advocate for “making places better”. He is currently Co-President of the Leaside Residents Association, Co-Chair of the Federation of North Toronto Residents‘ Associations (FoNTRA), member of the Toronto Preservation Board and Past Chair of the North York Community Preservation Panel. He writes a monthly column on heritage and planning in Leaside Life.