Lake Simcoe ice conditions 'dangerous and unpredictable,' police warn

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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Members of the York Regional Police Marine Unit are reminding residents that ice conditions on Lake Simcoe and other lakes and waterways remain unsafe and unpredictable during early season ice formation.

Lake Simcoe and surrounding waterways still have large sections of open water. As new ice continues to form, it can be relatively thin. While sections of ice may appear to be snow covered and stable, we would like to remind all citizens that ice conditions can vary drastically even in close proximity and may pose significant risk.

On Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, a dog went through the ice on Bond Lake in Oak Ridges. The owner attempted to rescue the family pet but went through the ice as well. The owner was able to get out safely but the dog was not located.

On Jan. 24, 2021, a snowmobile went through the ice on Lake Simcoe. Fortunately, the two riders made it safely to shore and were not injured. Their snowmobile sank and has not yet been recovered.

Remember no ice is ever completely safe. Any individual enjoying recreational activities near a body of water must make a personal decision to do so, realizing that there is a degree of risk associated with this choice. It is crucial that citizens take individual responsibility in evaluating the quality of ice.

Citizens are reminded to keep pets and children away from shorelines, river banks and ponds as ice and increasing water flows present a clear danger.

Air2 footage of the inconsistent ice formation on Lake Simcoe taken on Jan. 27, 2021 can be found here.

For more information and safety tips, contact the York Regional Police Marine Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7321, or visit the York Regional Police website at www.yrp.ca.

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