As the weather warms up, local police warn: 'No ice is safe ice'

Snow buildup is slowly melting and provincial police are asking people to stay away from any waterway. Meanwhile, Enbridge is asking residents to keep eavestroughs clear of icicles.

Enbridge is reminding people to carefully clear snow off of gas meters with a broom

Aastha Shetty · CBC News · Posted: Feb 27, 2025 6:00 AM EST | Last Updated: February 27

frozen icicles on pipe — Clearing off icicles from overhead eavestroughs will prevent water from dripping and freezing on the meter or vent pipes, says Enbridge. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

No ice is safe ice.

That's the message from West Region Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), which is reminding people to be careful because warmer temperatures have weakened the ice on local waterways.

In a message posted on the OPP West Region's X page, Sgt. Ed Sanchuk is asking people to prioritize safety.

"Do not venture out into the water or near the embankments. They become extremely slippery," he said. "Depending on the kind of water, depending on how cold that water is, you're going to be doing a self rescue."

Warmer temperatures will make creeks and rivers unpredictable. Frozen ponds , creeks, rivers, and bodies of water will be extremely unstable. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OPP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OPP</a> reminding everyone to always put safety as a priority because no ice is safe ice! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WROPP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WROPP</a> ^es <a href="https://t.co/s2u4efb7Py">pic.twitter.com/s2u4efb7Py</a>
—@OPP_WR

He says you need to be mindful around any kind of open waterway.

"We don't want anyone near any type of river, streams or creeks. Obviously they're very unpredictable and if you're ice skating on ponds, rivers or streams, they're going to be extremely unstable with the warm weather conditions."

A similar warning is also coming from the Waterloo Regional Police Service. In an X post made on Wednesday, WRPS Cst. Chris Iden asked residents to be careful while enjoying the sunshine.

"Even though it's been cold the last couple weeks, it does not mean that the water is solid," he said. "Be cautious by the edges because [the ice] is always weakest at the edge and in the centre."

Going out to enjoy the sun? Make sure to be cautious if you are going near water.<br><br>With the recent warm weather, rivers and other bodies of water are beginning to thaw. This creates thin ice edges and an increase in water current. <a href="https://t.co/ME3tjp1hEr">pic.twitter.com/ME3tjp1hEr</a>
—@WRPSToday

Remove icicles from eavestroughs, says gas company

Enbridge Gas is reminding people to clear icicles from overhead eavestroughs to prevent dripping water from splashing and freezing on the meter and vent pipes.

Natasha Carr from Enbridge says icicles hanging off your roof can be a big safety issue.

"It's a big safety hazard. If the icicle drops and you're in the way, you can get hurt," she said.

On Tuesday, two people were sent to hospital after icicles fell on them from a roof in Cambridge. To prevent more injuries, Waterloo regional police closed a section of Main Street in Cambridge.

"Injuries believed to be minor and individuals were transported to a local hospital," said Iden in an emailed statement. "A portion of the road closed for fire and property standards to make the location safe."

icicicles — Enbridge is asking people to try and remove the icicles forming on eavestroughs for safety reasons. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

Carr is reminding people to also clear snow and ice off of the gas meter.

"If you notice your meter or external appliance vent pipe is covered with snow or ice, it's very important you clear the way. You could carefully do this by using a brush or broom just to remove the snow or ice," she said.

"[Snow buildup] could lead to serious risks. Plugged external vents can cause carbon monoxide emitted by these appliances and it could build up in your home. That is a safety hazard."