The City of Grande Prairie is urging residents to practice safe skating this winter by avoiding storm ponds, no matter how thick the ice might look.
According to the city, storm ponds pose significant safety risks, and participating in recreational activities on them is strongly discouraged.
The city says storm ponds are not designed or maintained for recreational activities such as skating, and the ice might be inconsistent, posing the risk of falling through thin ice. Additionally, unpredictable conditions such as stormwater runoff and rapidly fluctuating water levels can contribute to thin ice risks and present a hazard to residents.
Instead of skating on thin ice this winter, Transportation Director Wade Nellis says residents should enjoy winter activities in designated areas such as municipal ice rinks, where conditions are managed and consistently monitored throughout the season.
