Outdoor skating surface at Anders storm pond to remain closed for the season

The storm water pond in the Anders neighbourhood, traditionally maintained as an outdoor skating surface, will not open for public use this season, according to the City of Red Deer.

City officials say the natural ice surface in the area is undergoing an active strategy to mitigate an unwelcome odour that arises each spring. The strategy, they state, includes lowering the water level which will reduce ice thickness, making the pond unsafe for public use.

Red Deerians are being asked to stay off of the storm pond this winter as this trial strategy may prevent freezing to a proper thickness throughout the winter months. Residents are being reminded to exercise caution on all natural ice surfaces.

In addition to the skating surface in the Anders neighbourhood, The City says they will be trialing this active strategy on two other storm water ponds in both Laredo and Timberstone.