Skate at your own risk; HRM discontinues ice thickness testing

Like a scene from a holiday rom-com, many gawk at the picturesque ideal of skating on a crystal clear frozen lake, weaving back and forth as flurries begin to fall from the sky.

While the tranquility of the scene may be tempting for many, warmer winter temperatures have caused unpredictable ice thickness, making skating on frozen lakes and other bodies of water more risky.

Earlier this year, Halifax Regional Municipality discontinued municipal ice thickness testing, citing a decrease in available skating days making the service unfeasible.

“Due to warmer winters, there is a smaller period of time where testing ice thickness is even possible,” the website for the municipality reads. “For example, there was only two to three weeks this past winter where testing could take place. This resulted in one day of approved skating each year over the past few years.”

HRM was the only municipality in the province that conducted this testing.

In the past, ice thickness testing was conducted at over 70 lakes and ponds throughout the region, the municipality states. Doing so required significant resource demand from Parks and Recreation including a demand for dedicated staff. With very few approved skating days, the resource strain has been too heavy for the municipality to continue the service.

But many Haligonians are holding on to their beloved winter activities despite unpredictable winter temperatures. To ensure safety, the municipality urges residents to follow Red Cross guidelines for ice safety. Ice should be a minimum of 15 cm thick for solo skating or 20 cm for group skating and ice games.

“It is also important to note that ice conditions may vary over the entire surface of lakes and are subject to change with weather conditions,” HRM states.

Skaters are cautioned to steer clear of junctures where streams flow in and out of lakes as the current can inhibit proper freezing.