Toronto Fire chief calling on residents to stay off Grenadier Pond in High Park

By Lucas Casaletto

It may be below zero degrees but it hasn’t been regularly cold enough to strengthen the ice on Grenadier Pond in High Park.

Toronto Fire chief Matthew Pegg says, fortunately, two men who fell through on the weekend were safely rescued.

“This is a successful outcome to immediately life-threatening situation,” Pegg said Monday. “We’re also hearing reports of warning and danger signs on ponds being removed, which is extremely dangerous for any unsuspecting skaters.”

Both men were rescued by first responders shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday, with authorities saying shortly after that everything appeared to be in order.

No injuries were suffered as a result.

Grenadier Pond is the only natural body of water where the City tests the thickness of the ice.

A red flag means it’s not safe while a yellow flag means you can skate at your own risk.

Pegg recommends using one of the more than 50 outdoor artificial rinks maintained by the City.

“As someone who has been personally involved in numerous ice and water rescues over the years, I implore you to stay off unverified natural ice and stick to the safety of our network of artificial ice rinks.”

Last week, York Regional police’s marine unit issued a reminder to residents that ice conditions on Lake Simcoe and other waterways are dangerous and unpredictable after a snowmobile went through the ice.

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today