Narrow vote moves Port Perry’s Baagwating Stormwater Pond Project forward

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: Plans to expand the wetland, at the Baagwating Stormwater Management (SWM) Pond, in Port Perry, could mean changes for local baseball players. However, council says the project is crucial for protecting Lake Scugog’s water quality.

The Township of Scugog council endorsed, in principle, “Option 1,” a large wetland pond, requiring the removal of the south baseball diamond at Joe Fowler Park, while directing staff to investigate funding opportunities and prepare a detailed implementation plan before construction begins.

The recorded vote narrowly passed, with Councillors Janna Guido, David LeRoy, and Ian McDougall opposed. Councillor Robert Rock, Harold Wright, Terry Coyne, and Mayor Wilma Wotten voted in favour, with Mayor Wotten casting the deciding vote.

CAO Warren Mar stressed, the endorsement is not a final decision. “This simply gives staff direction to explore the option further and bring back a more detailed plan for council consideration,” he said.

The pond, located at Water Street and Curts Street, was built in, approximately 20 years ago, and drains directly into Lake Scugog. It receives stormwater from three inlets and is equipped with oil/grit separators which are inspected annually. The pond was last cleaned in 2013, and a 2021 assessment recommends clean-outs every 11 years. Staff noted, the frequency of required maintenance suggests the pond is undersized, and expanding it would extend its life, improve water quality, and reduce long-term costs.

The proposed large wetland would remove 80 percent of total suspended solids and 40 percent of total phosphorus from stormwater before it reaches Lake Scugog. The project would also include access connections to the existing trail system and could feature a boardwalk, with educational signage, explaining how the wetland works.

Baseball user groups voiced concerns about losing the south diamond which they say is important for hosting tournaments. They indicated they would consider retaining and upgrading the north diamond with improvements, like LED lighting, upgraded infield materials, and equipment storage bunkers.

Other options examined included: a smaller wetland which preserves the south diamond but offers less water-quality improvement, and two options, combining a sediment-collecting “SWM Shield” system with a smaller wetland. These alternatives provide lower environmental benefit at higher long-term costs.

A funding strategy will be prepared before any design work proceeds. The project is included in the Township’s 2026–2029 Capital Forecast, with detailed design expected in 2028. Staff have already opened discussions with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Kawartha Conservation Authority about potential partnerships and will continue to pursue grant opportunities.

A full implementation plan will return to council before any final approval is made.