Winter Ice Safety

Despite the cold weather we have had in the Valley recently, the OPP are reminding residents to use caution if planning to travel on ice.
The concern is that ice does not freeze evenly, and we haven’t had enough cold weather for all lakes and river to freeze over.
They say if you are planning on travelling on ice, to make sure it is tested often as you move across it.
10 centimeters is required to walk on it, 20 centimeters is required for snowmobiles and 30 for light vehicles.

Colour is a factor also, where blue ice is the strongest while white ice is much weaker.
Also, they say that any travellers on the ice should have safety equipment, like a pick axe, rescue rope and to wear a survival suit.