Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016 (Halifax, NS) - The Halifax Regional Municipality’s ice thickness testing program is not yet underway for the 2016-17 winter season, but there is noticeable thin ice and open water in many lakes across the region. Throughout the winter months, ice thickness reports for lakes tested by the municipality will be available to the public at any time online at https://apps.halifax.ca/icethickness or by calling 902-490-3577. Please note reports will be updated weekly pending weather conditions. More than 80 lakes, mostly in the urban core, are tested regularly by Parks and Recreation staff in the Halifax, Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, Hammonds Plains, Prospect, Harrietsfield, Hubley, Timberlea and Cole Harbour areas. The Canadian Red Cross recommends that ice be at least 15 centimetres thick for individual skating, and at least 20 centimetres thick for group skating. Extreme caution is advised in areas where streams flow into and out of the lakes. Ice conditions may vary over the entire surface of the lakes and are subject to change with weather conditions. For more information on ice factors and safety visit www.redcross.ca/what-we-do/swimming-and-water-safety/swimming,-boating-and-water-safety-tips/ice-safety. Source: Release