Due to the extended period of warm temperatures, The City of Red Deer is warning residents of hazardous conditions on the river, community ponds, and creeks. Extended warm temperatures also triggers the closure of outdoor skating surfaces.
As of today, Bower Ponds and neighbourhood outdoor rinks are closed for the season, as conditions are not adequate for maintaining safe ice surfaces. Parks and Public Works staff will be removing nets and turning off the lights. The Ice Oval at Setters Place at Great Chief Park is temporarily closed through Monday, March 3, at which time staff will reassess ice conditions.
The City is also issuing a reminder to use extreme caution around all natural ice surfaces, as fluctuating temperatures and flowing water creates soft spots that may not be noticeable to the eye. As such, any body of water can pose a serious risk to people and pets.
More information about outdoor rinks can be found at www.reddeer.ca/outdoorskating.