Important Reminder to Stay Off Frozen Storm Ponds

As students and families are gearing up for winter break, our office would like to remind residents to be safe while enjoying the outdoors. 

Calgary has more than 200 stormwater ponds around the city that are marked with signage around the perimeter. These ponds collect stormwater runoff, reduce local flooding, and ensure cleaner water flows back into the rivers. Factors such as constantly changing water levels that create unstable air gaps along with sediment and contaminants (e.g. bacteria, fertilizers, pesticides, vehicle fluids, metals, road salt) that are collected as water travels through the community on their way to the storm pond, can weaken the ice. This makes the ice on storm ponds less predictable than a regular pond. These all present hidden hazards that can be dangerous to people and pets.

While ice skating is an encouraged winter activity to spend with family and friends, it is important to avoid skating or any other activities on frozen storm ponds. While these ponds may look inviting to walk, skate, or play on, no recreational activity is allowed because it’s simply not safe. Please take extra caution around these and all bodies of water, and stay off of them.  

In the event that you or someone you are with happen to fall into ice, please check out my previous blog that reviews important tips on how to safely get out. 

Looking to safely skate? Skaters of all levels can head over to one of the dozens of City of Calgary or community-designated outdoor skating rinks for free and safe skating. Depending on the weather, many of these rinks might already be open or will be opening soon. Rinks maintained by The City are among the safest places to skate because they are checked daily for ice thickness and quality, and surfaces are flooded as needed to make sure they’re safe of skating. To find safe outdoor skating rinks near you visit calgary.ca/rinks.