The snow and ice that arrived at Christmas has some people fooled about the safety of the ice condition in parts of Lac des Roches. A large portion of the lake, from the Eagle Island west narrows as far as the channel into little Lac des Roches was open water until Christmas, then once frozen over, was immediately covered with several inches of snow. The ice is thin almost right to the shore in many places along Boultbee and McCarthy Roads. Most residents have been cautiously clearing bands of ice close to the shore for ice rinks, but even then, the holiday season has not been without several mishaps. Luckily, no one has been seriously injured but the conditions have taken their toll. Two sleds, each carrying 2 riders, broke through very thin ice at Carlos’ point near the McCarthy Road access on December 30. All passengers were able to get to the shore safely – although they were cold and soggy. On the same day, a resident flooding a shoreline rink fell through carrying a water pump and today, January 2, an ATV with two passengers went through at the shore about half way down Boultbee Road. In all cases, friends and warm-hearted neighbours have been available to help these very appreciative visitors retrieve their equipment from the icy water. Thank you all for being so helpful and caring, but most importantly, be careful and don’t be fooled by previous year’s ice conditions.
