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City of Chestermere launches ice fishing hut pilot program

“We wanted to provide both our residents, sportsman, and visitors with more opportunities and easier access to recreational activities,” read an official statement from the municipality.

Chestermerians can now cast a line in the middle of winter thanks to the municipality’s new ice fishing hut pilot program that enables residents to set up an ice hut on Chestermere Lake.

By way of an amendment to the Community Standards Bylaw, fishing huts are now permitted on the lake but cannot be used for overnight accommodation.

“If left on the ice overnight, they must be secured to the ice surface and equipped with reflective materials on all four sides that are visible from no less than 15 metres away,” read a City social media post.

Ice fishing is the practice of catching fish through an opening in the ice of a frozen body of water using fishing rods, lines, and hooks or spears.

Prior to the bylaw amendment, the Community Standards Bylaw did not permit the placement of structures on the ice surface. According to the City, the amendment now allows for fishing shelters.

According to the municipality, sport fishers must adhere to all the Alberta Sportfishing Regulations, including attaching their WIN card number and contact information to their hut if it is to be left unoccupied.

“Ice shacks/huts must have their contact information posted in the event they need to be contacted by both Parks and our Peace Officer addressing any concerns or complaints,” stated the City.

Anglers must also hold a valid fishing license as per the Provincial Sportfishing regulations.

“Fish and Wildlife have and continue to come onto the lake to ensure there is compliance with provincial fishing regulations alongside Chestermere Peace Officers.”

The bylaw officially came into effect once it was signed off by council and only applies within the city.

“We wanted to provide both our residents, sportsman, and visitors with more opportunities and easier access to recreational activities,” read an official statement from the municipality. “Due to the proximity of the lake, there was a demand from the community and from people visiting the community.”

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