With a brief respite from the polar vortex temperatures upon us, you are being warned to stay off the ice on local lakes, ponds and waterways.
“The Town urges residents to keep clear of any body of water, including the Holland River and Fairy Lake areas of the town,” said a Town of Newmarket statement. “Parents are also strongly advised to communicate this important safety message to their children.”
According to the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority, areas of the watershed are expected to receive approximately 5 to 10 mm of rain beginning today. As well, with melting snow, expect higher than normal water levels and flows, and possible ice break-up in rivers and streams, creating potentially hazardous conditions.
Local streams and rivers may become dangerous, especially near culverts, bridges, and stormwater ponds, the advisory stated.
Even when temperatures are bitterly cold, as they have been the last two weeks, authorities caution residents not to venture out on the ice on open bodies of water.
Peter Noehammer, Commissioner of Development and Infrastructure for the Town of Newmarket, acknowledges that in “a deep freeze”, some residents will think it’s safe to skate on Fairy Lake and stormwater ponds, but he said the Town doesn’t allow it.
Signs are posted at all local bodies of water warning it is dangerous to go out on the ice.
Fairy Lake, in particular, can be deceiving, Noehammer said, as it can appear to have a solid ice surface.
However, because it is a dammed portion of the Holland River, water will continue to flow underneath the surface throughout the winter, he said, which prevents the ice from building to the required thickness to skate on.
Newmarket resident Brent Corr is one resident who is willing to take the risk of skating on a natural body of water, after taking the appropriate safety measures.
While he doesn’t encourage others to follow his example, he said for four years, he has regularly skated on Fairy Lake, joined by his girlfriend and sometimes his father.
However, he stresses that he always uses an auger to measure the thickness of the ice first.
A video he recently posted on the Newmarket: What’s Happening Facebook group of his girlfriend skating on Fairy Lake stirred up some debate regarding its safety.
“I appreciate your concerns, we even had a police officer come out and talk to us. But took the proper precautions and checked the ice!” he posted. “It’s 4.5 inches, at 5 inches snowmobiles are allowed on the ice, it’s perfectly safe. But if you're concerned don't go on the ice:) and it’s completely legal to skate on any body of water.”
He’s not the only resident who enjoys skating on natural ice, as you can find about town ponds that have been cleared of snow, some with hockey nets in place for the Canadian tradition of pond hockey.
While the Town discourages skating on Fairy Lake and other bodies of water, Noehammer said it is not illegal ― just dangerous.
For skaters who want to enjoy the Great Outdoors safely, there are rinks at Riverwalk Commons (The Tim Hortons Skating and Water Feature), Ken Sturgeon Park, at 1035 Lockwood Circle, just south of Stonehaven Avenue, and at Lions Park at 424 D’Arcy St.
York Regional Police was also encouraging people to stay off the ice when two vehicles went through pressure cracks on Lake Simcoe Jan. 27 in separate incidents, in the midst of the deep freeze.
“No ice is safe ice,” the force tweeted.
Fortunately, the drivers of a truck and a four-wheeler safely escaped, but assistance was required.
Lake Simcoe ice anglers are advised to always first check with local fish hut operators about ice safety.
If you're determined to pursue an activity on the ice — whether it's skating, snowmobiling or ice fishing, here or up at the cottage — Central York Fire Services Chief Ian Laing has some "ice smart" safety tips for you to follow:
- Determine the quality and thickness of ice before venturing out on it. Even thick ice may be weak, so be sure to measure clear, hard ice in several places. The quality and thickness can change quickly and its appearance can be misleading.
- Keep away from unfamiliar paths or unknown ice.
- Avoid travelling on ice at night.
- If you must venture onto the ice, wear a thermal protection buoyant suit. If you do not have one, wear a lifejacket or personal flotation device over your winter jacket.
- Avoid slushy ice, thawed ice that has recently refrozen, layered or rotten ice caused by sudden temperature changes and ice near moving water (i.e. rivers or currents).
- Never go on the ice alone, ensure you have a partner to accompany you.
- Assemble a small personal safety kit to bring with you when out on the ice. The kit should include a lighter, waterproof matches, magnesium fire starter, pocketknife, compass, whistle, ice picks, rope and cellphone.
For more information, visit cyfs.ca
