Ice Pond Nature Park

The Summerside Ice Pond, located at the west end of Summerside, has been a cherished resource for residents since the late 1800s. It offers recreational activities and fishing opportunities. The pond also serves as a wildlife habitat and provides a peaceful retreat from urban congestion. The pond was once pivotal to a bustling ice harvesting industry. It possessed the finest ice quality in Prince County during the 1890s.

In 2015, BBEMA secured a three-year grant from Environment Canada. The purpose was to collaborate with the City of Summerside and its residents. Together, they focused on developing a Wildlife Biodiversity Plan. Natural areas of significance—presently and historically—were identified through community consultations, including the West End Ice Pond.

In 2016, BBEMA started an ambitious project. It partnered with the City of Summerside and the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. The goal was to restore the 125-year-old pond site for the benefit of wildlife and the community. By 2019, the three-year restoration effort was completed. This involved removing the old dam. The pond was excavated to its original depth of 12 feet. A concrete fishway and ladder were installed. These structures facilitate fish passage and migration to the ocean.

Following the project’s completion, BBEMA has been given ownership and management of the pond and its surrounding 1.7 acres of land from Amalgamated Dairies Ltd., dedicated to conserving and safeguarding it as a natural sanctuary for Summerside residents. The newly revitalized pond and its green surroundings present many new opportunities. These include recreation, culture, and environmental education within the Summerside community. Activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing, swimming, bird watching, skating, and cross-country skiing are now available. We’ve also recently finished constructing the walking trail encircling the pond and installing our vibrant red bridge. This enhancement now lets visitors enjoy a full stroll around the serene pond. 

Nature Park February 2025