Skating on retention ponds could remain banned in Winnipeg: report
Hockey games and skating could remain prohibited on Winnipeg’s retention ponds.
A new report recommends the city not allow people to use the ponds in the winter for recreational purposes.
While geese take over the ponds in the summer, people flocked to them last winter as rinks and arenas were closed during the pandemic’s second wave.
But a bylaw prohibits people from using the ponds.
After months of study, a new report is backing that bylaw, recommending the city not allow recreational activities on the drainage basins.
The report says safety is a significant factor adding ice thickness on these ponds is questionable because of salt runoff and water flowing underneath, which transports heat.
The city’s water and waste committee chair, Councillor Brian Mayes, agrees with the report written by city staff.
“I think you have to go with what the staff is saying, which is no,” said Mayes. “Given the nature of water that flows in there in the winter, no these are not safe for use.”
Councillor Markus Chambers raised safety concerns last winter as he has large retention ponds in his ward.
“It doesn’t take too long for something dangerous to happen,” said Chambers.
However, he wants to know if there is a way for the city to monitor ice thickness in the coldest months to make them safe for use.
“Under the proper conditions I think this could be a great resource to bring communities together,” said Chambers.
Mayes points out dedicating staff to check the ponds would require funding.
“I think once you get started on the ponds you’d also have to be looking at the Seine River and other waterways,” said Mayes.
Waverley West Councillor Janice Lukes says the city could handpick two or three retention ponds to monitor for use to cut down on potential costs.
“Maybe the cost of monitoring the ponds for safety is lower than the cost of building three pleasure rinks,” said Lukes.
The report says a check of other Canadian cities shows only Saskatoon permits this on selected ponds.
The recommendation will be considered at next week’s water and waste committee meeting.
A full copy of the report can be found online.
- With files from CTV’s Kayla Rosen.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Toronto Maple Leafs fire head coach Sheldon Keefe
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
'We can and we must do better': First ever Air Accessibility Summit hits Ottawa
Federal ministers, airline executives and members of the disability community are gathering in Ottawa today for the first ever Air Accessibility Summit.