Welland Urging Residents to Stay Clear of Recreational Canal and Stormwater Ponds

Wednesday, 23 February 2022 14:02

By Linda Morgan

City says due to ice thawing, water runoff and rain, all stormwater ponds and the Welland recreational canal are hazardous.

A word of warning from the City of Welland.

Residents are advised to avoid all stormwater ponds and the Welland recreational canal.

Officials say due to ice thawing, water runoff and recent rainfall, those areas are considered risky.

The canal freezes during the winter months as the temperature drops, but the water underneath remains active.

The City notes the constantly moving water under the surface makes the canal unsafe for recreational activities.

Water runoff can also weaken the ice, with added melt and water pooling coming from rain.

The City also offers the following ice safety tips:

Check the ice thickness
Colour of ice matters; clear blue ice is the strongest, white or opaque ice is much weaker
Stay away from ice that looks honeycombed
Near-shore ice is often much thicker and safer than ice farther out
No ice is safe, use caution around all of our bodies of water and don't venture out alone
Wear a lifejacket and survival suit; these items can preserve body heat
If you are going out onto the ice, know what to do if you break through

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