Ice hut operators along Lake Simcoe are still waiting to get business going for this season.
“We’ve watched the ice come and go about five times now,” said Chad Paiero of Lucky Sons Ice Huts.
The mild weather and strong winds are the two biggest issues right now. York Regional Police say the recent changes in weather have altered the conditions of the ice, making its stability unpredictable and inconsistent. Warmer temperatures and rain are also contributing to potentially hazardous ice conditions.
“Even if you are getting colder temperature, if the wind is still acting on the open areas of the lake it’s going to create that wave action and break up the ice that is forming and making it weaker,” said Const. Matt Goold with the York Regional Police Marine Unit.
Police want to remind residents that during the early-season of ice formation it is simply not safe to be out on right now.
Lake Simcoe and surrounding waterways still have large sections of open water and as new ice continues to form, it can be relatively thin. While sections of new ice may appear to be snow covered and stable, we would like to remind all citizens that ice conditions can vary drastically, within in areas of close proximity and may pose significant risk.
Police are urging residents to consider consulting with local ice fishing hut providers for the latest conditions as they perform ice-thickness checks daily.
