Gord Perks City Councillor, Ward 4, Parkdale-High Park

The ice monitoring program started on Jan 1, 2019. Ice thickness is measured on a daily basis. To check the flag status, visit Find an Outdoor Rink and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Grenadier Pond in High Park has been a recreational skating surface since the early days of Toronto but temperature changes, water currents, salt run-off and other factors can make it dangerous.

For 12 weeks in winter, the City will monitor ice thickness and place a flag at the pond:

• red flag: not safe
• yellow flag: use at your own risk

Since this is a not a skating program, no ice clearing or maintenance is done.

Tips for a successful day at Grenadier Pond:

• Check online before heading out – we inspect daily and post either a red or yellow flag at the pond
• Dress warmly. It’s cold by the lakefront, especially when windy
• There’s no clubhouse or place to lock up your belongings, so don’t bring anything valuable you can’t carry on your person
• If you’re intending to skate, bring proper safety equipment like helmets, knee and elbow pads. There are no skate trainers available at the pond.
• Please take care of our fragile ecosystem by staying within the designated area and keeping dogs off the pond The remaining wetlands at the Grenadier pond are a locally significant lakefront marsh. Please stay within the allowed boundaries.

More info on Public & Leisure Skating can be found at https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/skating-winter-sports/public-leisure-skating/ .

On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, Judith Penfold representing Parkdale Tenants Association and Mercedes Sharpe Zayas and Ana Teresa Portillo from Parkdale People’s Economy’s deputed on the Housing Now Initiative at the Executive Committee.

They echo the voices of many in Parkdale and across the City. Watch the videos below to hear their demands.