Halifax no longer measures the thickness of the ice on the lakes

There are no more tests to determine the thickness of the ice on the lakes in the regional municipality of Halifax, in Nova Scotia.

The city judged that its ice -thickness monitoring program was too expensive. It cost $ 24,000 a year.

A municipal councilor, Sam Austinobserved last year that it was an improper use of resources. Winter is no longer what it washe said.

Residents who want to practice winter sports on a natural skating rink must act at their risk and danger and trust their own judgment.

I assume that it is safe, but I did not check it myselfrecognizes Alex Pinard-Binau, met at the end of the week while he was skating on the lake Banookhas Dartmouth. It would be nice if the city could inform us.

The frigid temperatures of the last days have freezed the lakes, but it is not easy for people to determine if the ice is safe.

In general, the climate of Halifax is not cold enough in winter for the ice to reach a thickness that can guarantee the safety of the people who venture there.

To fish the pike safely, Sebastian Pitre falls back on his tools, a drill and a meter to measure. Me, I’m waiting for four inches of good icehe said.

For those who are not equipped like him, he gives some advice.

Look for the ice that is clear, which has no air in it. Just thick ice, four inches, no big crackshe sums up. If there are places that there is water, it may not be a good idea to go out [sur la glace].

Never be alone is the best recommendation I can makeadvises Raynald Hawkinsthe director general of the rescue company.

Once in two, people are alone during an accident. No one is to call 911 and get out of waterhe warns.

According to the report by Stéphanie Blanchet