The cold weather isn’t making Sylvan Lake any safer for ice skaters.
Despite a fairly sustained cold snap, higher than average snowfall has prevented Sylvan Lake from completely freezing over.
The Town of Sylvan Lake and the local fire department are urging the public to use extreme caution if venturing onto the lake.
Instead of clearing an ice skating rink on the lake surface, the town intends to flood the beach volleyball courts on the pier. Weather permitting, this will create a temporary skating rink.
And instead of erecting a giant Christmas Tree of Hope on the lake, three coniferous trees growing on the pier will be lit up.
In the meantime, the town’s public works department will be keeping an eye on the lake’s ice conditions. Efforts will be made to create a second on-the-lake-rink as conditions permit.
“No ice or body of water is ever completely safe,” said local fire chief Cliff Brausen. “Any individual enjoying recreational activities near the lake must make a personal decision to do so, realizing there is a degree of risk associated with this choice.”
Seven residential outdoor rinks areas are being prepared for use in Sylvan Lake, and should be ready by Christmas if weather permits. For more information, visit www.sylvanlake.ca.