Citizens Advised to Be Cautious Around the Battle River and Storm Water Ponds as Ice Melts

With the arrival of warmer temperatures over the past few days, Ponoka citizens are reminded to be cautious around the Battle River and storm water ponds as the snow and ice melt away.

Please keep children and pets off of the river ice and storm water ponds at all times, and please keep dogs on a leash.

Regardless of how thick a patch of river ice may look, due to constantly flowing water beneath the ice surface, there are weak spots that can quickly give way, sending you, your loved one or pet through the ice without warning.

This is also true for the fishing pond at Lions Centennial Park, which is a storm water pond with water flowing through an inlet and outlet pipe throughout the year. 

“Even with colder temperatures expected later this week, those temperatures are expected to be short lived and will likely create only a thin crust on top of the melting ice, so people and pets can still easily fall through,” said Stuart Larson, Manager of Protective Services for the Town of Ponoka.

If your pet does fall through the ice, please keep in mind that calling for help is the best option rather than venturing onto the ice yourself. Please stay safe.