The City of Calgary has issued a clear and urgent public safety warning as winter sets in: stay off the ice covering the city's stormwater ponds. Officials emphasize that the ice is currently not solid enough to support any weight, posing a significant risk of falling through.
Why Stormwater Ponds Are Particularly Dangerous
While frozen lakes and rivers can sometimes be tested for safety, stormwater ponds present unique and heightened dangers. These engineered basins, designed to manage runoff, have inconsistent ice formation due to moving water, shifting water levels, and underground inflows. This creates deceptively weak spots that are not visible from the surface. The city's warning, delivered on December 5, 2025, is a standard but critical annual reminder as temperatures drop and curiosity about ice increases.
A Critical Annual Safety Message
The timing of this advisory is not accidental. Early winter is a period when many may underestimate the hazards of thin ice. The city's message is unequivocal: no ice on these waterways is considered safe for walking, skating, or any other activity at this time of year. This warning extends to all city-operated stormwater management facilities and serves as a precaution for natural water bodies as well, where conditions can be equally unpredictable and perilous.
Prioritizing Public Safety in Winter
Calgary's municipal authorities are proactively working to prevent tragic accidents before they happen. The core of the message is simple: the potential consequences of venturing onto unstable ice are severe and life-threatening. Residents are encouraged to seek out designated, City-approved skating rinks and ponds that are professionally maintained and monitored for safe ice thickness. By heeding this warning, the public can ensure their winter activities are both enjoyable and safe, avoiding unnecessary strain on emergency response services.
As the season progresses, the city will continue to monitor conditions, but officials stress that personal vigilance and adherence to official guidelines are the best defenses against winter waterway tragedies.
