Westminster Ponds

Living with Natural Areas

A Guide for Living Next to the Westminster Ponds

Welcome Home!

The backdrop to your new home is the Westminster Ponds – Pond Mills Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) and Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW). It is a natural space that expands over 200ha in the City of London.

Your Actions Matter!

Encroachment

Sheds, playgrounds, fire pits and lawn do not belong in the natural areas. Not only is in not your property, but encroachment impacts the stability, diversity and wildlife that is there for your visual enjoyment. Respect the preservation of the vegetation beyond your property. Keep gardens and structures inside youry ard.

Landscaping

Invasive garden species in your yard can encroach into the natural areas and choke native plants and flowers. Instead, select appropriate native or non-invasive species from a garden centre or seed supply company.

Swimming Pool

If you decide to install a swimming pool, remember there are maintenance activities that can impact the natural environment. The woodland and wetland vegetation is not capable of handling the volume of discharge that
occurs from pool maintenance, backwash or draining. You should drain away from natural features. Talk to your municipality and pool contractor about pool treatment options and methods to deal with pool discharge before you make your final choice.

Yard and Garden Waste

Trees drop leaves and branches which naturally break down into nutrients that are picked up by roots, helping to maintain a healthy forest. The cumulative effect of dumping yard and garden waste in natural areas
can smother the natural ground vegetation, restrict new seedling establishment and introduce invasive and non-native plants to the system. Alternatively, compost yard waste materials for reuse in landscaped portion of your property, or provide this waste for others to compost: curbside collection or take to the depot.

Pets

Domestic cats and dogs are hunters. When a pet runs off-leash they can disturb ground nesting birds and small mammals, compromising their success. Cats are particularly notorious for their impact on wildlife. Keep your pets on a leash and under control.

Stewardship

Use of these guidelines may aid in your long term enjoyment and contribute to protection our local natural spaces.

A New Place to Call Home

More Information

City of London

Environmental and Parks Planning
519- 661-4980
Environmentally Significant Areas
Yard Waste Collection
www.london.ca

Reforest London

www.reforestlondon.ca

Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

www.thamesriver.on.ca
(519) 451-2800

Ontario Invasive Plant Council

www.ontarioinvasiveplants.ca