The frozen Coves offer a winter recreation paradise
The Coves have been known as a welcome place for outdoor skating for decades and perhaps even over a century.
Stories from the early 20th century tell of evening skating parties on the Coves where many families would gather and bullrushes were used as torches to light up the night. These days leisurely skaters, often playing hockey or some other game, can still be found out on one of the three ponds almost any day of the week.
Above - A timeless scene of a game of "shinny" or "pond hockey" on the East Pond of the Coves.
Below - Young skaters playing ice-football, a new game perhaps of their own invention, on the East Pond of the Coves
Whether you choose skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or otherwise exploring on the ice, all can make wonderful winter pastimes. However, extreme caution should always be taken when venturing along shorelines or out on the ice.
The pictures below were recently profiled on the cover of the London Free Press. The photos, taken looking north from Springbank Drive where it crosses over the West Pond of the Coves, reveal how ice conditions there can change.
The West Pond's ice conditions tend to be the most variable of the three Coves ponds. This is because the West Pond receives the most stormwater of the ponds, often leading to changes in ice conditions there on a daily or even hourly basis. The ice nearest to either side of Springbank Drive is influenced by stormwater outlets and the near-constant flow of water where it bottlenecks through the passage under the road.
The East Pond is the least impacted by stormwater of the three ponds and, therefore, generally has the least variable ice conditions. However, even on the East Pond it is still very important to take precautions.
For a pdf map showing the three ponds visit HERE
Please consider the following precautions if venturing onto the ice:
- NEVER go on the ice after dark
- NEVER go on the ice alone; if you insist on doing this, carry a whistle and Ice Safety Picks and familiarize yourself with solo ice escape techniques
- an adult should alway check ice conditions before a group ventures onto the ice (using an ice auger or other appropriate device)
- avoid ice that appears white or grey coloured; clear ice is the strongest
- always be prepared for an emergency; carry a cell phone, a whistle and a rope
The Canadian Red Cross advises minimal safe ice thickness is:
- 15cm for individuals walking/skating
- 20cm for skating parties
For more information on ice safety visit the following sites:
Canadian Red Cross - Ice Safety includes information on getting out of icy water if you fall in alone or how to rescue someone else who has fallen through the ice
London Free Press article includes warnings from local police about ice dangers