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Frozen ponds and winter trail hazards

Local lakes still not frozen hard enough for skating or walking on the surface.
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Frozen lake in Central Okanagan.

With the consistently frosty temperatures and recent snowfall in Kelowna, Park Services staff remind everyone to keep safe and exercise caution around frozen ponds and while walking on park trails.

While pond ice may look thick and safe enough to skate on, ice may still be forming and surfaces may not be safely frozen over, resulting in thin ice and the potential for injury.

For these reasons, signs are posted at known skating ponds in parks advising residents to stay off of the ice. These signs will remain in place throughout winter.

There are a number of opportunities for safe public skating in the city. The Stuart Park ice rink is open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. for free public skating (weather permitting). Other rink locations include the Capital News Centre and Memorial Arena.

Also, remember that gravel trails are not maintained throughout the winter — expect typical winter trail conditions. Users should exercise caution when walking on trails, particularly in snowy and icy conditions.

For more information about where to skate safely this winter season or about Kelowna Parks, please visit kelowna.ca.