Outdoor lovers and dog walkers are being warned to be careful and stay away from icy waterways.
A warning is being issued to park users to stay away from the edge of waterways while enjoying the outdoors or walking their dogs at this time of the year.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) said with temperatures dropping ice and snow will begin to accumulate in watersheds.
“Currently, there is a thin layer of snow on the ground and little to no ice coverage in rivers and watersheds,” the TRCA warned. “Ground conditions are frozen and unable to absorb water from rainfall or snowmelt.”
As rivers and water bodies become ice-covered, rainfall and snowmelt can weaken ice cover, making it unstable and unsafe, according to the TRCA.
At this time of the year ice may appear to be thick but road salt and other substances may make it very thin.
“Frequent freeze-thaw cycles and sudden warm-ups can also create hazardous conditions, including ice jams and increased river flows from melting ice and snow,” the authority said.
They provided these safety tips for park users to keep away from riverbanks and all water bodies even if the surface is covered with ice.
Do not attempt to drive or walk on iced-covered water bodies and always obey safety signage, the group urged.
Avoid recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered water bodies, unless at an officially designated municipal facility.
A sign warns people of danger as ice thaws on a pond.
Stay away from stormwater ponds since they were not built for ice skating. Road salt, snowmelt, and temperature shifts mean that stormwater ponds have more cracks and thinner ice than naturally occurring water bodies.
Snow and ice combined with steep slopes beside ponds also make it more difficult to safely walk near ponds without slipping and falling.
Beware of thin ice that may develop around dams. Dam operators often lower water levels in reservoirs during winter and spring.
Seek help in case of emergencies: Rescuing another person or a pet from ice is dangerous. If you see anyone who has fallen through the ice, call 911 for help immediately.
Never jump in the ice to rescue your pet or person. Always use a long rod or call 911 immediately.
Winter activities at TRCA conservation parks and lands and, or your local parks are safer due to increased public presence. Residents looking for skating locations should seek information from their local municipality.
As the region’s first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property.
TRCA’s jurisdiction includes nine watersheds and their Lake Ontario shorelines, spanning six upper-tier and fifteen lower-tier municipalities and representing almost five million people, approximately 10% of Canada’s population.
For more information visit trca.ca/winter-safety and trca.ca/Safetyarounddams.