The city will no longer test for ice thickness because of warmer weather and fewer days to hit the lake for a skate or a game of pickup.

Another reason Halifax is ending its ice thickness testing program is because of the resources it takes to carry out the program along with fewer colder days and a lot of rain in the winter months.

For years staff would go from lake to lake and post ice thickness levels to the city website.

“For example, there was only two to three weeks this past winter where testing could take place. This resulted in one day of approved skating each year over the past few years.” – Halifax Regional Municipality.

The city is sending residents to the Canadian Red Cross guidelines for ice thickness.

It recommends at least 20cm for a group of skaters.