The County is undertaking a one-year pilot project for limited winter recreational activities on approved stormwater ponds in County subdivisions. The two neighbourhood ponds approved for recreational use this winter are Whispering Ridge and Westlake in Clairmont.

“This pilot project promotes active living in the County by providing low-cost recreation opportunities, while also balancing safety concerns and resident expectations of stormwater pond recreational access,” said Christine Rawlins, Manager, Parks and Recreation “Assuming a successful pilot project, approved ponds may change or increase in number each season as we review accessibility, resident interest, volunteer willingness, proximity to other stormwater ponds, and County resources.”

This week, County staff will post new signage at all stormwater ponds in the County to identify if they are an approved recreational storm pond or not 

The signage posted at the Whispering Ridge and Westlake approved recreational ponds will show a skating or no skating symbol and the date of last ice depth check. For the safety of ice users, the ice must be 20 cm thick for recreational activities and 25 cm thick for the use of walk-behind snow-clearing equipment. The County will do regular inspections by trained staff to ensure the ice remains safe.

“This winter, residents can enjoy winter ice activities such as skating, broomball and shinny safely on these two approved ponds,” said Rawlins. “As always, there are other options for skating in the County, including neighbourhood park ice surfaces and the Crosslink County Sportsplex”

The deadline for volunteer groups to apply for a neighbourhood park ice surface for the 2021/22 season has been extended to January 31, 2022. Volunteer group requirements and active outdoor skating locations can be found at www.countygp.ab.ca/icesurfaces.

Recreational use of stormwater ponds, other than the two approved ponds, is not permitted. While stormwater facilities may look like natural ponds, they contain moving water throughout the year, which can lead to unknown, unpredictable, and dangerous ice conditions. While the ice may appear thick in some areas, other areas may have little to no ice, and there are generally no visible surface indications of these unsafe conditions. Any use of stormwater ponds, for any purpose in the winter or summer, permitted or not, is at the users own risk. While recreational use is only permitted at two approved ponds this winter, County staff will test the ice at various ponds to collect data on potential suitability for future seasons.

As consideration for public and staff safety is paramount, one emergency ice safety rescue kit will be available at each approved stormwater pond. As well, throughout the winter season, enforcement will patrol the ponds and educate the public on the safe use of outdoor ice.

The public can report concerns with ice quality and thickness to the Parks and Recreation department at 780-532-9727.

To stay up to date on ice measurement dates, ice readiness and approved locations, click on the subscribe button in the lower right at www.countygp.ab.ca/stormwaterponds.