RICHMOND HILL – The City is reminding residents not to use neighbourhood stormwater ponds for skating or any other recreational activity, as the ice/water is not a safe place to play.

Unlike natural ponds, stormwater ponds are designed to collect and release runoff from rainfall and snowmelt to help prevent flooding in the community. As a result, water levels change rapidly due to the constant water flow. The pond water may also contain road salt and other contaminants, which contribute to poor ice quality.

These factors combine to create dangerous and unpredictable conditions, which put your safety and the safety of our emergency responders at risk.

Residents are welcome to use our parks and trails for exercise, including those around stormwater ponds, but please stay away from the water.

The City is plowing and sanding an additional 16.5 km of trails this winter, so residents have more places to stay active. We’ve also got great places for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing when it snows.

In addition, Richmond Green Skate Trail is open for pre-registered skating. 

Visit RichmondHill.ca/WinterFun for more things to do this winter and please, stay safe! 

Additional links

• PSA: City Advising Residents to be Safe and Stay off Frozen Bodies of Water – January 4, 2021
• Outdoor Skating in Richmond Hill

Media contact
Ash O’Malley, Communications Advisor
ash.omalley@richmondhill.ca