Ramsey Lake skating path not quite ready

A late start to winter has put a delay on a number of outdoor activities, including skating on the Ramsey Lake skating path.

“Usually the Ramsey Lake skating path is opened by the third week of January, but we're a little later this year because we didn't really get any winter in December, the lake was still open right up until Christmas,” said Pam Cranston, manager of parks services with the city of Greater Sudbury.

The skating path extends from McNaughton Terrace to Science North. The skating path is generally open from mid-January to mid-March, dependent on weather and ice conditions.

The ice needs to be at least 12 inches thick for the city's contractors to bring their equipment on the ice.

Smaller equipment such as ATVs with plows attached have already started clearing the path, and flooding has begun.

“Once they start clearing the path off and flooding it, it freezes much faster,” said Cranston. “After the snow is cleared the ice isn't insulated so that helps it to freeze and set.”

With nearly a week of consecutive cold weather advisories in Sudbury, it shouldn't be too long before the path is open for skating.

The city's communications department will send out a public service announcement once the Ramsey Lake skating path is open to residents.

For more on the skating path, as well as the Queen's Athletic oval, including hours of operation, visit GreaterSudbury.ca (https://www.greatersudbury.ca/living/outdoor-rinks/ramsey-lake-skating-path/).