For the second year in a row, the County of Grande Prairie is moving forward with using stormwater ponds for recreation. Last winter the county conducted a pilot project with two stormwater ponds in Whispering Ridge and Westlake Estate. This winter a similar program is being created so residents of any county sub-division can apply to manage their local stormwater pond to use as an ice skating surface. All ponds will be managed by volunteers that will be trained by the county.
Back in August county officials sent administration to come up with solutions for challenges that came up during the 2022 pilot. Some of these challenges included unexpected water on the ice surface, and signification air temperature fluctuation throughout the season to name a couple.
Find the county’s full breakdown of rules and guidelines for the recreational use of a storm pond here.Â