Three dead from thin Lake Simcoe ice
By Chris Simon

Residents are being urged to use caution when travelling on waterways in the area, following the deaths of three people in two seperate incidents on Lake Simcoe last week.

Yesterday, police recovered the body of 60- year-oldToronto resident Ilia Vaxman near Roaches Point in Georgina. Vaxman was reported missing Sunday, after he had gone ice fishing.

Stephen Docherty, 43, and William Cameron, 40, both from Georgina, died while travelling on their snowmobiles near the Georgina Island Marina.

The men left their homes on a snowmobile ride Jan. 1, but their bodies were not found until the following day.

York Regional Police and the OPP have each issued warnings over the last few weeks, suggesting that many lakes and streams in the area not completely frozen.

"With the fluctuating temperatures this winter, the lakes and streams are not completely frozen over and (are therefore) not safe," said York Constable Marina Orlovski.

"There are still many areas of open water on Lake Simcoe and ice fishermen and snowmobilers are reminded that conditions are dangerous and extreme caution should be used."

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority has also issued a high water safety bulletin for the area until Thursday, indicating that above 0 C temperatures could create flooding, ice breakup and dangerous conditions in rivers, streams and ponds.

Local waterways are expected to have higher than normal waterflows, especially around bridges and culverts. Children have been warned to avoid all waterways.

"Watercourses will be flowing higher than normal causing local streams and rivers to become dangerous," said conservation authority spokesperson Jennifer Payne Tuesday. "Weather forecasters are predicting up to 30 millimetres of rain today and (Wednesday). It is expected the remaining snow pack will melt, given the predicted warm temperatures."

Ice thickness can change throughout the lake, said Orlovski.

"Ice seldom freezes at a uniform rate," said Orlovski. "What constitutes a safe depth of ice is difficult to apply in all cases. It is crucial that citizens considering recreation on the ice take individual responsibility in evaluating the quality and soundness of the ice on the particular body of water in question."

Residents should wear proper floatation devices, travel in a group, know the ice conditions, and let other know about their plans. When on the ice, residents should also avoid grey, dark or porous spots, which may indicate weakness. Strong ice should be blue-coloured, said Orlovski.

For snowmobilers, police also suggest purchasing maps and checking trail conditions on the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs website.

Currently, the OFSC is issuing a Yellow Alert, asking snowmobilers to ride with extra caution.

"Ice conditions can change rapidly each day due to milder temperatures, so we urge those who operate snowmobiles to be aware of the trail conditions," says OPP snowmobile program commander Bill Grodzinski. "When unsure, avoid traveling over any bodies of water."

The missing ice fisher is described as a white man, 165 centimetres tall, and weighing 75 kilograms. He is medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a blue jacket. He is bi-polar and diabetic.

For more information on snowmobile trail conditions, visit www.ofsc.on.ca.