With temperatures dropping, residents are reminded to use extreme caution around all waterways, including drainage ditches, culverts, streams, creeks, retention ponds, and rivers and to keep dogs and other pets at a safe distance, as well.<\/div>\n
“We are starting to see thin layers of ice forming on the river and ponds,” said assistant chief Mark Reshaur, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service.<\/div>\n
“Staying away from the riverbanks, and off of any thin ice, is the only way to prevent the dire consequences of falling through,” added patrol sergeant Jason English, River Patrol Supervisor for the Winnipeg Police Service. “The WPS considers all frozen bodies of water within the city of Winnipeg to be unsafe for recreational use with the exception of areas that are monitored in accordance with the City’s Frozen Waterways By-Law, such as the Forks Centennial River Trail.”<\/div>\n
According to a City of Winnipeg release, the WFPS responds to approximately 200 water and ice safety calls for service. The public is reminded that while “Danger – Thin Ice” signage is posted at specific locations including outfalls, retention ponds and other potentially dangerous areas, all ice should be considered unsafe even if warning signage is not present.<\/div>\n
Meanwhile, the province also issued a warning regarding thin ice on Manitoba’s lakes and rivers.<\/div>\n
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Infrastructure cautioned recreational users of waterways, such as snowmobilers, skiers, icefishers not to head out on the hard water just yet, as ice conditions in southern and central Manitoba are likely dangerous until at least mid-December.<\/div>\n
“Thin ice is often covered by snow, which produces weak spots due to its insulating effect,” the news release noted. “(And) areas of fast-flowing water tend to have thinner ice at this time of the year, which may not be visible.”<\/div>\n
City seeking input on enhanced summer bike routes<\/div>\n
The City of Winnipeg is seeking feedback on the Enhanced Summer Bike Route Program via an online survey.<\/div>\n
The program was first piloted in 2020 as a response to COVID-19. In 2021, the City of Winnipeg created 17 routes dedicated to active transportation on shared roadways throughout Winnipeg, limiting motor vehicle traffic to one block, either daily or on Sundays and holidays only (depending on route), between May and November.<\/div>\n
City planners are now seeking info on the routes, so as to decide whether “to continue any or all of the routes in some capacity beyond 2021 or until full studies can be conducted in each route’s respective area.”<\/div>\n
For more information, visit winnipeg.ca\/summerbikes<\/div>\n
Keeping cool for a cause<\/div>\n
A group of outdoor enthusiasts want to make Winnipeg the snowman capital of the world. The Last Snowman Contest is back with a slate of cash prizes to be won. <\/div>\n
Former Winnipegger Maria den Oudsten founded the contest in 2003 to raise awareness about climate change.<\/div>\n
“The snowman is an icon and warning that if we do not do something about global warming, we may not see another snowman,” den Oudsten said, in a Nov. 24 press release. <\/div>\n
Last year, den Oudsten awarded $5,000 to the best creations and plans to do the same this time. The first place builder earns $2,000, second place brings in $500, and the next top ten designs win $200. <\/div>\n
The snowmen are judged on height, sturdiness, decoration, presence, charm and likes on social media. For each post, $1 will be donated to an environmental charity. <\/div>\n
Photos can be posted to the Facebook page @lastsnowmanwinnipeg or on Twitter @SnowmanLast. Entries may also be submitted by email to lastsnowmanwinnipeg@gmail.com<\/div>\n
For more information, contact local ambassador Sandra Hasenack at 204-797-6022. <\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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