City begins testing ice thickness on storm water retention ponds

Before you lace up your skates and head out onto one of Saskatoon’s storm water retention ponds, make sure you look for a sign indicating that the ice is thick enough.

The Saskatoon Fire Department is currently testing and monitoring the 11 ponds around the city that are designated for recreational use to ensure the ice is at least eight inches thick.

“Signage posted at each pond will indicate whether the pond is safe for recreational use,” the City of Saskatoon noted in a statement.

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“When the ice thickness reaches a minimum of eight inches and is considered safe, SFD will replace the ‘No Skating’ symbol on site signs with a ‘Skating Permitted’ image.”

The city asked residents to stay well clear while the ice is being tested, and stay off the ponds until the signs indicate they are safe for skating, hockey and broomball.

“As the weather continues to sporadically warm and cool, SFD would like to caution the public of changing ice conditions,” the city added. “Residents are reminded to check the posted signage each time they consider using the pond.”

The city noted that everyone should be cautious around any large bodies of water.

“Keep a close watch on children and pets when visiting trails, parks, or off-leash areas that may run adjacent to a storm water retention pond,” the city advised.

The city also noted that anyone using the ponds for winter recreation assumes all of the risks and maintenance responsibilities for the ice, “including shoveling, flooding, as well as user safety.”

A list of the ponds designated for recreational use and additional information can be found on the city’s website.