Residents asked to stay safe and keep off the ice

As a result of the warmer temperatures, a significant amount of melting is affecting the strength of the ice on stormwater ponds and natural bodies of water in Strathcona County.

Ice strength is affected by many factors including air temperature, road runoff, springs that feed into the water body, sun, wind, snow and overall thickness of the ice. Stormwater ponds are unsafe for recreational activities like ice-skating and hockey because they have a constant flow of water which causes the ice to form in unstable conditions over the winter months. These unpredictable and fluctuating water levels create an environment in which the water may not freeze completely solid.

Ice safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please remind your family and friends to obey all posted signs, play safe, and keep off the ice.

For more information about ice safety, contact the Lifesaving Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories at 780-415-1755.

A number of outdoor rinks have closed for the season due to unsafe ice conditions.

Current list of open and safe outdoor skating rinks.

Set in the centre of Alberta’s energy and agricultural heartland, Strathcona County is a thriving, successful and vibrant community of over 98,000 residents. Strathcona County is made up of the urban area of Sherwood Park and a large adjacent rural area of farms, acreages and smaller hamlets. It is home to 75 per cent of refining in Western Canada. With a focus on economic, governance, social, cultural and environmental sustainability, Strathcona County is committed to balancing the unique needs of its diverse community.

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Contact: Strathcona County Communications, 780-410-6595