The deadline for anglers to remove ice fishing shelters is quickly approaching... That is if the conditions have allowed the shelters to remain on the ice until now.  

For areas south of Highway 16, the deadline to remove the shelters is March 15th, while those north of Highway 16 have until March 31st.  

The provincial Ministry of Environment stated each year, there are shelters abandoned on the ice, and when the ice melts, these shacks become submerged. This can then pose a danger for boaters, water-skiers, and others who use lakes recreationally during the summer months. Debris from shacks can also end up washing up on shore, posing other environmental hazards. 

Shelters that aren’t removed may be prosecuted and the shelter itself, along with all of its contents, confiscated. Ice fishing shelters must have the owner’s name, address and phone number on the outside of the shelters in legible letters. 

With the milder weather caution is being advised for those who do head out to remove their shacks. Slush is an indicator that ice is eroding from the top and bottom and a quick rate, and changing temperatures can cause thermal cracks and pressure ridges, both of which are indicators of unsafe conditions.