Lanes during Spring Thaw

The City of Martensville encourages residents, for which their lane is a secondary means of access to their property, to limit their usage during the spring thaw period.  Heavy or repetitive vehicle usage during spring thaw and wet conditions can cause further rutting and reduce drainage. This limits the ability of crews to conduct maintenance on the lanes in a timely manner and increases the amount of materials and time required to reshape lanes.

For questions or information please contact City Hall.

Water Run-off, Seepage and Your Property

With prolonged cold temperatures and snow accumulation, and now moving into milder climates, we are expecting a rapid melt.  This may lead to seepage of water into basement or water to accumulate on property.  We are all responsible to protect our own property and mitigate any potential risks.   Provided are some helpful tips and tasks to help prevent water seeping into your basement or accumulating on your property.

1. Extend downspouts at least two metres (six feet) from your basement walls. The further the water is from the foundation, the less chance that it will make its way into your basement. Splash pads can help direct the water to a permeable surface, such as a garden or lawn. Clear debris from your eavestroughs (gutters) to prevent them from overflowing. If your eavestroughs or downspouts overflow even when they are clean, install larger ones.
    
2. Consider moving snow away from the foundation of your home, to prevent a large degree of melting immediately adjacent to your foundation.
    
3. Ensure proper grading around your home and property or build up the ground slope around your home. Soil should slope down from your foundation and window wells for at least two to three metres (about six to ten feet) at a drop of at least 10-20 centimetres (about four to eight inches). If water soaks into the ground within the backfill zone, it will accumulate next to your basement walls and floor, where it can leak in or damage the foundation. Check your ground slope annually, because soil, sidewalks, patios, decks and driveways can settle over time.

You can find grade elevation information on Martensville.ca
 

4. Check the drainage paths on your property. Ensure that storm water flows to the lane or street, not towards your home. It also shouldn’t flow into your neighbour’s yard.  Property should be graded to keep water flowing in the right direction.  If water pools on your property, consider pumping it to the street.
    
5. Fix leaks in basement walls, floors, windows and doors.
    
6. Install window wells around basement windows. This will prevent your window sills from leaking and rotting. Keep window wells free of leaves, branches and other debris.
    
7. If you have protective plumbing, such as backflow valves and sump pumps, make sure they are working properly.
    
8. If you are away from your property for a period (2-3 days) have someone check the property to ensure water is not coming into the basement. 
    
9. Elevate and/or store important equipment and personal items as to avoid damage in case of water seepage.