The Orangeville Fire Department in Ontario is telling residents to stay off all local ice because the spring thaw has made it unsafe. On March 11, 2026, fire officials issued a warning as warmer weather weakens the ice on ponds, reservoirs, and rivers.
Firefighters say that even if the ice still looks thick, the cycle of freezing and thawing makes it much weaker from top to bottom. This creates honeycombed ice that cannot support weight, which greatly increases the risk of someone falling through and drowning.
The Town of Orangeville is also reminding people that riverbanks and shorelines are now slippery and unstable. Residents are encouraged to be very careful near the water’s edge to avoid accidentally slipping into cold, fast-moving water filled with debris.
This safety alert is part of a larger push by the town and the Dufferin OPP to keep the community safe. Everyone is asked to stop all activities on the ice immediately as the spring season continues.
