Construction work continues on the Idlewild Dam rehabilitation project and as a result, residents and park users are reminded that the sledding hill is still not safe for sledding, despite the glut of new snow over the past 24 hours.
"We are hopeful that we can have the hill at Idlewild safe for use by Christmas, depending on the amount of snow around," says Mike Matejka, Project Manager with Infrastructure Planning and Delivery.
The rest of the dam construction works are being completed over the next two or three weeks, with the dam estimated to be operational before the end of the month. At that stage, the reservoir will slowly be filled while making sure enough water still flows through the new bypass into Joseph Creek.
"The prospects of skating on Idlewild this year will completely depend on how quickly the reservoir can be filled and how cold the temperatures get after that time," Matejka said, adding, "if the conditions are right the City hopes to have skating available on Idlewild in the New Year."
Public Works is waiting for the right temperatures to begin building the outdoor ice rinks at Baker Park and at Pop Price Park complete with lighting.
Residents, visitors and users of Idlewild Park are asked to please use caution when using the park area, bothduring and after the dam construction work is complete.
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