The City of Grande Prairie is reminding residents to stay off frozen storm ponds, as they are not permitted for any public use and pose significant safety risks.
Storm ponds are part of the stormwater system and are not designed, monitored or maintained for recreation. Water movement beneath the surface can create sudden changes in ice thickness, hollow areas and weak spots, making ice conditions unsafe and unpredictable, even when the surface appears frozen.
Storm ponds are located throughout the city, including but not limited to:
- Ivy Lake
- Crystal Lake
- Crystal Lake Storm Facility
- O’Brien Lake
- Pinnacle Ridge and Pinnacle West
- Royal Oaks North
- Bickell’s Pond (Summerside)
- Westgate East
- Signature Falls
Under the Use of Public Lands Bylaw (C-1078), activities such as walking, playing, skating and hockey are prohibited on storm ponds. Vehicles are also not permitted to access these areas.
Residents are asked to remind children to stay off frozen storm ponds and keep a safe distance from the edges.