As temperatures warm up this week, many people are eager to get outside and enjoy the early start to winter, but The City wants to remind Calgarians that storm ponds are never a safe place to play because the ice thickness is always unpredictable.
Any recreational activity, on or in these ponds, is not safe and is strictly prohibited under the Stormwater Bylaw. Do not walk, skate, sled or play on a storm pond. Also remember to keep your pets off the ice as they are not aware of the dangers.
“Although they may look inviting, no activities are allowed on storm ponds because they’re just not safe”, explains Calgary Fire Department spokesperson Carol Henke. “Please take extra caution around these and all bodies of water, including the Bow River and Glenmore Reservoir, and simply stay off them.”
Storm ponds look like natural ponds however they don’t function the same. Storm ponds are designed to collect stormwater runoff, reduce local flooding and ensure cleaner water flows back into the rivers and creeks. As a result, storm pond water levels are constantly changing as water flows in and out through underground inlet and outlet infrastructure. This creates unstable air gaps between the ice and water, weakening the ice in the winter. Storm ponds also contain sediment, contaminants and road salt, which also weakens the ice.
The good news is skaters can enjoy the outdoors at one of the over 65 volunteer maintained Adopt-a-rinks in communities across Calgary or City of Calgary natural ice rinks that 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 for skating. For a full list of locations and the rink’s status visit calgary.ca/rinks.
