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Beware winter hazards along local water bodies: Environmental group

Area conservation authority offers safety tips for the season
OrilliaMatters Staff
lake-simcoe-shoreline (1)
File photoLake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority

NEWS RELEASE
LAKE SIMCOE REGION CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
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Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority reminds watershed residents to be prepared for winter hazards, particularly around bodies of water.

The conservation authority advises everyone to exercise caution and keep family and pets away from edges of all water bodies.

Hazardous conditions on and around bodies of water

Frequent freeze-thaw cycles can create hazardous conditions by increasing runoff and contributing to higher water levels and faster flows in local watercourses. Accumulated snow and ice will also melt and refreeze, causing slippery and unstable areas around water. Slippery banks, high water levels, and fast-flowing cold water can lead to very hazardous and dangerous conditions.

Winter hazards are not limited to natural shorelines and riverbanks. Stormwater ponds, while seemingly inviting for skating, are dangerous. These ponds are designed to collect stormwater runoff from the surrounding neighbourhood and have water flowing in and out of them year-round. Road salt and other pollutants also collect in these ponds, further weakening any ice that forms. Because of these functions, the ice formed on the surface is extremely unstable and should never be used for recreational purposes.

Enjoy the outdoors — safely

Despite these hazards, you can still enjoy the outdoors this time of the year. At conservation areas and municipal parks, official trails have been created with your safety in mind. Use these trails and spend time outdoors safely.

To minimize risks while enjoying winter weather, the conservation authority reminds the community to follow these safety tips:

  • Stay on the official trails at Ontario’s conservation areas to enjoy the outdoors safely.
  • Keep family members and pets away from riverbanks and edges of all water bodies.
  • Do not attempt to drive or walk on iced-covered water bodies. Always obey any posted safety signs.
  • Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered water bodies, unless at an officially designated municipal facility.
  • Never use stormwater ponds for ice skating or any other activity. Water levels on these ponds can change due to road salt, snow melting, and changing temperatures causing cracks and dangerously thin ice.
  • Rescuing another person or a pet from ice is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice, call 911 for help immediately.

Be prepared and stay up to date on flood or conservation area conditions by following us online:​ 

Find out more about the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program at lsrca.on.ca/index.php/home/flood-forecasting.

For information about regional water levels, please contact your local conservation authority:

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