Stay off storm water ponds, Town of Newmarket cautions

The frequent freeze-thaw cycle makes water and nearby areas dangerous, the conservation authority warns

Newmarkettoday.ca
Dec. 24

Avoid waterways, target trails. Conservation area trails a safe way to enjoy the outdoors this winter. Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

The Town of Newmarket and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority are reminding residents not to go out onto bodies of water, especially in light of the recent death of an 11-year-old Milton boy who fell through the ice of on a storm water management pond.

Town spokesperson Wanda Bennett said that the ponds located around Newmarket may make for a tempting place to go skating, but they are not safe, as the tragedy in Milton demonstrated.

There are many other options for outdoor winter activities, even under lockdown.

"There are four outdoor rinks people in Newmarket can still use to skate on, plus the trails and other winter activities to keep busy," said Bennett.

"Storm water management ponds are designed to take surface runoff and help to naturally filter the water to return it to the aquifer -- nature's filter. They can contain road salt, petroleum, and this makes the ice even more unstable. Also, they have pipes that deliver the runoff into the ponds -- so the water moves - again making them not stable for ice. People should be steering clear of all watercourses right now as temperatures have been above seasonal."

The conservation authority points out that it is not just the storm water management ponds that are risky right now because of the frequent freeze-thaw cycles, and it urges residents to keep themselves and their pets away from the edge of all bodies of water.

"Any accumulated snow and ice will periodically melt and refreeze, causing slippery and unstable areas around water. Higher water levels with faster flowing, extremely cold water can lead to very hazardous and dangerous conditions. Ice conditions can vary drastically," said the conservation authority in a statement.

Be safe by following these tips:

• Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, including skating or ice fishing
• Stay on the official trails at Ontario’s conservation areas to enjoy the outdoors safety
• Stay up to date on flood or conservation area conditions on social media