Dozens of Tri-City residents were seen taking advantage of a nice winter day with a skate on local ponds — some even making a mini rink for shinny hockey on Como Lake in Coquitlam.
However, city officials are now asking everyone to stay off of them, citing "the ice is too thin" for public skating.
According to parks manager Kathy Reinheimer, there is a severe safety risk for visitors as while lakes appear to be frozen, the ice may not be thick enough.
"Ice stability can be very deceptive, with conditions impacted by shade from trees, water turbidity and currents," she explains in a news release today (Dec. 29).
"By being on the ice people put themselves, others and local first responders at a safety risk."
Reminder signs have been placed along Como Lake, as well as in other parks across Coquitlam.
Reinheimer adds the city does not permit anyone entering upon, walking, ice skating, cycling, driving or "any other access" on frozen water in a local park.
Environment Canada is currently predicting up to 10 cm of snowfall over Tri-City communities through until tomorrow morning (Dec. 30).
Coquitlam's engineering and public works spokesperson Inder Tung says road crews are keeping priority one snowplowing routes clear, including arterial roads for emergency vehicles and transit.
Residents are encouraged to visit the winter wise page of the city's website for more information on minimizing the impact of snow and ice.
In Port Coquitlam, signs have been in place since early December notifying residents to stay off the frozen water.
This includes Blakeburn Lagoons and Settlers parks.
"As tempting as it is, to put on the skates, it’s hard to determine how thick the ice actually is," reads a PoCo city post on social media.
"The ice thickness could also be uneven with some areas being thinner than others.
Residents to report pot holes on Port Coquitlam streets that may pop up during this time of year. More information can be found on the city's website.
