City looks at keeping skaters on Winnipeg retention ponds

WINNIPEG -

Some Winnipeg city councillors are not giving up on legally turning retention ponds into skating rinks this winter.

During the second COVID-19 wave, several makeshift skating trails and hockey rinks popped up on several storm basins, even though city rules prohibit people from using them over safety concerns.

An administrative report released last week recommended the city continue with the ban. It stated salt runoff and flowing water underneath the surface can impact ice thickness.

However, on Tuesday, the water and waste committee called for another report on options to allow the ponds to be used in the winter. The committee wants city staff to consult with neighbourhood associations and community centres to see if they are willing to assume responsibility to safely maintain some ponds.

“I’m sure that our fire department, if they’re deemed as the experts for us, could easily show somebody how to use a drill and an auger bit,” said Councillor Shawn Nason, who represents Transcona.

There is also direction for the city to explore the idea of monitoring five retention ponds and to report back on associated costs.

Councillor Janice Lukes, who represents Waverley West, is calling for this because of a lack of ice rinks in her ward.

“The city is concerned about risk, walking on a sidewalk, walking on the roads, swimming in a city pool has a higher level of risk than we’ve seen from skating on retention ponds,” said Lukes.

The report will also include the costs of adding five additional pop-up rinks in underserved wards.

Councillor Brian Mayes, who chairs the committee, said if the city gives the green light for a few ponds, it might give people a false sense of safety for all of them.

Even though it may cost more, his preference is to add the pop-up rinks.

“No one is going to fall through those. I don’t have to worry about that,” said Mayes.

The committee wants the report back in October in time for winter.

Saskatoon allows for skating on select retention ponds. According to that city’s website, the Saskatoon fire department tests ice thickness and it must be at least eight inches. It also says signs are posted at each pond to let people know if they are safe to use.