As temperatures dip, the Town of Newmarket is once again warning residents to stay away from stormwater ponds due to safety concerns.
The town said in a Jan. 18 news release that you need to keep off the ponds, whether or not they appear safe. Residents have used them for recreation in the past.
Councillor Bob Kwapis echoed the message on Facebook Jan. 19.
“Stay off Fairy Lake and all stormwater ponds as they are not safe for use,” Kwapis said.
Council passed a resolution in June directing staff to continue not to allow individuals to use the ponds. A staff report said the town received 12 complaints last year about the ponds, four of which were about residents using them for winter recreation.
The town said water flow levels at the ponds can fluctuate quickly without warning.
“Stormwater management ponds store and treat rainwater. Stormwater ponds designed to prevent flooding, erosion and improve the quality of water before it is gradually released back into the nearest stream or river and not for skating,” the town said. “Please take extra caution around all bodies of water and remind children to not play in the area.”
The municipality said it has not received any formal complaints this fall or winter about residents using the ponds. The town has also installed warning signs at all town-owned ponds.
The town indicated it would take an "education first" approach to enforcing the ban.
“Municipal enforcement officers continue to proactively monitor these areas regularly during freezing temperatures and would educate residents, where applicable,” the town said. “Our goal here is to keep our residents safe.”
