4- The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday July 15, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Pond hockey in peril? after Town may close two popular skating ponds for safety concerns By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF before We can transform your existing cabinets with new doors and laminate in your choice of style & colour. Select complimentary hardware & have the kitchen of your dreams. my ward," he said. "You can put up any sign you want, but they're still going to skate." Pond hockey is a proud part of Canada's herIn that light, he also proposed that lifesaving itage, but if the Town of Oakville has its way, it may equipment be included at all SWMPs, "in the abunbe a thing of the past. dance of ultimate caution," a suggestion welcomed Public skating at two popular north Oakville by councillors. skating ponds, Bayshire and Memorial Park, may According to the report, the public skating be illegal next winter if a the Town follows through needs to be discontinued at the two ponds because on a recommendation in a staff milder winters have resulted in "There's a substantial report higher runoffs of things like meltThe recommendation that risk to people being on ing snow, warmed water and salt. Memorial Park and Bayshire ponds these ponds." This creates in "highly unsafe conbe closed to public skating because ditions" and thinning ice. of unsafe conditions caused by Chris Mark, Director of SWMPs are designed to handle mild winters and increased salt and Parks and Open Space this sort of runoff to help maintain warm water runoffs was presented the health of streams, lakes and to the Community Services aquatic life, the report states, and Committee meeting Monday. "were not designed or intended for recreational It was ultimately deferred pending more infor- use." mation. While Knoll said he understood the caution, he The deferment was made at the request of Ward questioned the likelihood that runoffs could cause 5 Councillor Jeff Knoll who questioned whether unsafe conditions at Bayshire and Memorial Park, the legal ramifications of closing the ponds to pub- and whether the report was outlining a "worstlic skating had been investigated. case-scenario." "We've created almost an amenity, and now According to Director of Parks and Open Space suddenly we're suggesting we're taking it away," he Chris Mark, there's a "greater risk" at those ponds said of the recreational skating that's been happen- because of a "larger inflow" of runoff. ing for the past five or six years at the two ponds. "There's a substantial risk to people being on Both ponds have been maintained by Town staff, those ponds," he said. who clear the ice and measure ice depths. In recent years, Town staff conducting depth Staff has been asked to return with a more measurements and doing snow removal have detailed report after seeking a legal opinion. expressed concern about the safety of the ponds. If the recommendation passes, a template for a "We'd prefer to bite the bullet now and call a Town of Oakville sign has been created stating "the halt to public skating on ponds," added Dave pond is not intended for recreational use," and it Bloomer, Acting Commissioner of the will be erected at all Stormwater Management Infrastructure and Transportation Commission. Ponds (SWMPs) as part of the Stormwater "We're really trying to strive for some consistency. Management Pond Policy and Public All ponds are going to be treated the same way." Communication Plan, which was intended to proThat brought up the issue as to whether vide an understanding of safe practices that apply Sixteen-Mile Creek was going to be included on the to SWMPs. list of ponds that ban public skating and other Regardless of the signs, Knoll says, the shinny recreational activities it's not an SWMP. hockey and skating will likely continue. -- Krissie Rutherford can be reached at "This is going to become a bit of a problem in krutherford@oakvillebeaver.com. KEEPING SENIORS INFORMED Our LivingWell Events are Open to the Public Special Events for July Jack Grason Saturday, July 22 Ballroom Dancing Monday, July 31 Delmanor Glen Abbey is Oakville's premier retirement residence for active adults. We emphasize independence and individuality in a community environment that promotes an active mind and a sound body. In short, we believe in LivingWell and we'd like you to join us. All the events are free of charge. Just call Margaret Milley at 905-469-3232 to reserve your spot or to book a tour. TM 1459 Nottinghill Gate just south of Upper Middle, west of Dorval 905.469.3232