Local lake poses safety concern for public

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Melting cycles and inadequate infrastructure at the body of water located near Strathmore Lakes Estates is contributing to an unsafe ice surface and posing a danger to the public.
An investigation by the Town of Strathmore’s operations and development and infrastructure services departments concluded that despite thick ice, a control system was absent in the design of the storm water facility.
Compared to other areas in Strathmore, the inflow travels through a weir – a structure commonly used to control the flow rates during periods of high discharge. These areas have the weir buried and contain a controlled structure, unlike the storm pond at the Strathmore Lakes, which contains a storm water facility that consists of a pipe that drains consistently with no way of controlling the outflow or inflow.
As a result, the constant moving water and changes in temperatures create an unpredictable and high-risk environment.
“We have what water comes in and comes out and we have constant water underneath the ice on Strathmore Lakes Estates, depending on melt cycles; that water could drop, and we could get air pockets throughout,” said Mark Ruault, director of infrastructure and development services with the Town of Strathmore.
“It’s a large lake so it could hit various points. So based on that, it’s administration’s opinion that skating should not occur on that lake due to safety. We cannot bandage that risk at this point with the current structure unfortunately.”
Signs have already been placed around the lake, but town administration has ordered more signage to be placed at areas on the lake with public access. Several areas on the lake had previously been cleared by residents, which raised red flags among local officials.
Councillor Tari Cockx brought the concern to council during a committee of the whole meeting on Jan. 17. Administration brought back their findings and conclusions during the regular council meeting on Jan. 24. Some council members also urged administration to make an additional effort of contacting the residents around the lake who may have cleared the surface as well as educating the community through public means.
Ruault noted there is a possibility of upgrading the structure when the Storm Water Management Plan is brought before town council this spring. As for now, the public is expected to remain off the Strathmore Lakes Estates lake and seek safe ice surfaces designated around town. These include the Lions Regional Outdoor Rink, Kinsmen Park, Gray’s Park, and the Strathmore Family Centre.