The City of Grande Prairie is urging residents to prioritize safety by refraining from skating on storm ponds. Storm ponds pose significant safety risks, and engaging in recreational activities on them is strongly discouraged. The City emphasizes the following reasons for avoiding storm pond skating:
Thin Ice - Storm ponds are not designed or maintained for recreational activities like skating. The ice on storm ponds may be thin and inconsistent, posing a risk of falling through the ice.
Unpredictable Conditions - Storm ponds are designed to manage stormwater runoff, and their water levels can fluctuate rapidly. This can lead to unpredictable ice conditions, with areas of thin ice, open water, or other hazards.
Hidden Hazards - Storm ponds may have submerged objects, such as rocks, branches, or vegetation, that are not visible from the surface. Skating on these ponds increases the risk of colliding with these hidden hazards.
Lack of Supervision - Storm ponds are not monitored for recreational use. In the event of an emergency or accident, there may not be immediate assistance available.
“Residents are encouraged to enjoy winter activities in designated and safe areas, such as municipal ice rinks, where conditions are carefully managed and monitored. By respecting these guidelines, residents can contribute to a safer winter season for everyone in the community.” Said Transportation Director Wade Nellis.
For more information on winter activities, please visit cityofgp.com/winteractivities
Information provided by the City of Grande Prairie
- In response to Canada's Online News Act and Meta (Facebook and Instagram) removing access to local news from their platforms, ReachFM.ca encourages you to get your news directly from your trusted source by bookmarking this page and downloading the Reach FM app at https://www.reachfm.ca/app