Frigid temperatures means it's finally cold enough, and safe enough, to go ice fishing on local lakes and ponds.
Friday afternoon, the Grand River Conservation Authority made an announcement that ice fishing was open on Guelph Lake and Belwood Lake. Twenty four hours later, multiple coloured tents could be seen on Guelph Lake.
Guelph Lake and Belwood Lake are two of four GRCA parks that are monitoring their ice conditions and will offer it if weather permits. Besides ice fishing, residents can also go winter hiking at Guelph Lake.
Although temperatures dropped to around minus-20 C over the weekend, the GRCA said in a watershed conditions statement about water safety, that daily changes in temperature, wind, precipitation and underwater currents greatly affect ice conditions.
With rivers and creeks in particular, the GCRA stresses caution as moving water can weaken ice that may look stable. River banks adjacent to moving water can also be slippery and pose a serious hazard with cold, fast-moving water, said GRCA officials.
There is a reminder for parents to warn children to be careful around river banks and moving water, and to keep pets away from the edges of rivers.
The GRCA also mentions ice fishing is strongly discouraged in areas where ice conditions are not monitored. Despite this, a lone tent was also spotted out within the waters at the Yorklands Green Hub.
Residents can learn more about the status of winter activities at Guelph Lake through the GRCA's Park Status Page here.
