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We have a small seasonal pond (1/2 acre) that quite often dries up late in the summer. There isnt any creek in or out so it's fed strictly by runoff. Was tossing around the idea of renting an excavator and digging it deeper in the hopes it might not dry up. Just curious if anyone here has any experience building one and what kind of hoops the MNR has in place for doing that.
I made a pond with an excavator where there was none before. If your area is zoned Rural (sometimes RU or RU1 or RU2, it is likely you can do whatever you want as long as the specific area you want to modify is not zoned Environmentally Protected (sometimes EP or EP1 or EP2). First step is to confirm zoning with municipality.
I’m not sure the MNR would give you too many hassles but more likely the local conservation authority. The fact that it dries up annually and has no active watercourse in or out is helpful to you.
Here in Norfolk County I see farmers digging ponds all the time. Usually in the field beside a woodlot so I'm guessing it helps drain the woodlot ? You might get lucky and hit a spring ? There are two ponds on my property, the main big pond is fed by run off but when digging the second smaller pond the dozer guy hit a spring and had to get out PDQ as it filled up quickly. I hope you can put in a pond as the wildlife will love it !
Don't know what your water table is like, find a well witcher and have a small Beatty Pumper keep the ponds full.