‘Unsafe conditions’: Carleton Place urges residents not to skate, walk, toboggan on stormwater ponds

The Town of Carleton Place has issued a reminder to residents that skating, tobogganing, or walking on frozen stormwater management ponds is not permitted. 

“No matter the temperature outside or the appearance of the ice surface, conditions can change rapidly and without warning,” the town warns. “These facilities are an integral part of our stormwater management (SWM) system where water is treated prior to release to the receiving stream.” 

The storm water management ponds can have multiple inlets and outlets, which can cause turbulent water beneath the ice surface and can erode the ice thickness quickly,” the town explains. Levels of water beneath the ice surface can also fluctuate leaving dangerous gaps between the ice and the frigid water below.
 
“Due to the unpredictable nature of these stormwater management facilities, it creates unsafe conditions for children, adults, and pets alike,” the media release concludes. “Watering these ponds with municipal water is also prohibited as chlorinated water is harmful to aquatic habitat.”