The Municipality of West Perth, Ontario, is warning people to stay off all local frozen waterways this winter because the ice is too thin and dangerous to walk on. In early February 2026, municipal officials said that warm weather and rain in January have made ice on rivers and ponds unpredictable and unsafe for families, pets and outdoor enthusiasts.
Recent data and guidance from the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) show that elevated flows and moving water in the Thames watershed — including upstream areas near Mitchell — make it hard for strong, stable ice to form. Because water levels have been fluctuating, what might look like a solid surface could actually be a weak shell that cannot hold a person’s weight. The UTRCA warned on Jan. 7, 2026, that ‘any ice cover will be weakened and unstable’ and that flood-control reservoirs and fluctuating water levels are especially hazardous.
The Municipality of West Perth, with support from the West Perth Fire Department, issued the reminder to help prevent dangerous water rescues that put both residents and first responders at risk. Emergency services have highlighted past incidents in which pet owners attempting to rescue animals from ice led to additional rescues and injuries, and they are urging residents not to go onto the ice to retrieve pets.
Public-safety guidance stresses that there is no such thing as 100 per cent safe ice, particularly with the frequent temperature swings seen so far in 2026. Local families are encouraged to find safer ways to enjoy the outdoors until more consistent freezing weather returns to the area.
