Residents urged to keep off stormwater ponds

With the recent drop in temperature, ice has formed on stormwater ponds and natural bodies of water in Strathcona County. Ice safety is everyone’s responsibility. Please remind your family and friends to obey all posted signs, play safe and keep off the ice.

Many factors affect ice strength including air temperature, road runoff, sun, wind, snow and overall thickness of the ice. As well, the constant flow of stormwater into the ponds increases ice instability. With fluctuating water levels creating a freeze/thaw environment and unknown ice conditions, stormwater ponds are unsafe for recreational activities like ice skating and hockey.

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

Outdoor rinks and skating pathways are set to open mid-December and stay open when temperatures are below +5°C and above -20°C. Visit strathcona.ca/outdoorrinks for more information about outdoor rinks.

Strathcona County also offers several indoor skating opportunities, visit strathcona.ca/skating or call 780-467-2211 for details.

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 hydrocarbon processing in Western Canada. Strathcona County is a leader in environmental conservation, and 55 per cent of its land is within the UNESCO Beaver Hills Biosphere. 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