January 23, 2015

 

The City of Toronto reminds residents to stay off natural ice surfaces on open bodies of water because of significant safety concerns for the public and their pets. 

 

With seasonably cold temperatures this week and predicted warmer temperatures this weekend, Toronto Police Service Marine Unit and Toronto Water have advised that ice on open water and on stormwater management ponds in Toronto is unstable and never truly safe.

 

Road salt can make its way into Toronto’s rivers, streams and ponds, as well as in Lake Ontario along the waterfront, which increases the instability of ice. Storm water also drains into retention ponds, many of which are located in parks, including High Park's Grenadier Pond. Additionally, water levels in retention ponds can fluctuate, causing unsafe ice conditions despite cold weather.

 

The City of Toronto provides many safe skating opportunities for residents and visitors, including artificial outdoor ice rinks and arenas. For the nearest location in their community, residents can call 311, or check their local FUN Guide, or visit the web page at http://www.toronto.ca/skate.

 

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1t7brYg

 

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

 

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Media contacts: 

General: Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Stormwater ponds: Lyne Kyle, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8259, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Police: Constable Richard Baker, Toronto Police Marine Unit, 416-808-5800, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.