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Photo Courtesy EverythingGP
By Tanner Smith
Resident Safety

City urging residents to avoid stormwater ponds this winter

Dec 13, 2023 | 8:00 AM

The City of Grande Prairie is urging residents to avoid skating on storm ponds this upcoming winter, as they pose a significant threat to resident’s safety.

In a release, Transportation Director Wade Nellis provided some suggestions for people instead of using these stormwater ponds.

“Residents are encouraged to enjoy winter activities in designated and safe areas, such as municipal ice rinks, where conditions are carefully managed and monitored.”

To emphasize the importance of avoiding these ponds, the city supplied a list of safety risks that come with using these ice surfaces:

  • 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.

The city said in the same release; “Storm ponds pose significant safety risks, and engaging in recreational activities on them is strongly discouraged.”

Anyone wanting more information on the dangers of stormwater ponds, or a list of safe winter activities to take part in, visit the City’s website.

by Tanner Smith