Ice warning: Markham residents reminded to use public, not pond, ice

Skate worry-free at the city’s Civic Centre outdoor skating rink or at any one of Markham’s new unrefrigerated outdoor ice rinks

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 17, 2022
Hedi Riedner

With ice starting to form on stormwater management ponds, park ponds and watercourses, the City of Markham is reminding residents it is not safe for use.

Ice can look sturdy even though it may be thin and can crack without warning (bit.ly/MkmIceSafety).

Ice on stormwater management ponds, park ponds and watercourses is not monitored or maintained, and there may be thin spots where unseen currents continue to flow all winter long.

In urban areas, ice may be weakened by road salt and ice-melting materials that have been washed off the road network and private properties.

Together, these factors create unpredictable, unstable and therefore dangerous ice.

Instead, residents can skate worry-free at the city’s Civic Centre outdoor skating rink or at any one of Markham’s new unrefrigerated outdoor ice rinks that are maintained by the city (markham.ca/skating).

They can be found at Hungtington Park, Markham Museum, Milliken Mills Park and Milne Dam Park, where a flag system at each location signals when the ice is safe to use.

Victoria Square Park is temporarily closed to repair the rink liner, which, according to the city, was caused by people skating on the ice before it was ready.

You can also stay active (markham.ca/GetActive) this winter with hikes on Markham’s trails or any of the 95 maintained pathways (markham.ca/winter), develop nature skills with the whole family at ECO Camp Chimo (markham.ca/wps/portal/home/recreation/programs), or tour the city’s public art collection.

If you prefer to stay warm indoors, apply for a Markham Public Library (markhampubliclibrary.ca/) eCard online. Then curl up with an ebook, sign up for virtual programs, or enjoy Literacy Day with the family.