While area waterways are starting to freeze over, the Belleville Fire Department is reminding you to stay off the Bay of Quinte, local rivers, lakes and ponds, for now.
Warmer weather this month has led to unsafe ice conditions, and currents in the Bay of Quinte are making the ice very uneven.
A fire department spokesperson says “while there could be eight inches of ice in one area, 20 feet away there could only be one inch, so even if the ice looks safe to be on, it isn’t.”
He says just because you see people on the bay ice fishing, or skating, doesn’t mean it’s safe yet.
The city typically puts out a bulletin when the bay is ready for skating.
For now, you’re asked to use the multiple free outdoor community rinks, until conditions improve on the water.
Unsafe ice conditions on the Bay of Quinte on January 6, 2021. (Photo: Submitted)
