Sustained colder temperatures are freezing up everything in sight, though some winter activities having to wait a bit longer before they're safe.

For ice fishers, skaters, and others who use frozen surfaces over the winter, the season had a rough start with above-average temperatures.

That ice was thin or even nonexistent in some areas following a December which was the second warmest on record.

People may have to wait a bit longer even though the cold's now here, explained Environment Canada meteorologist Natalie Hasell.

"Since we've been in colder temperatures for the last few days, it might be tempting for people who enjoy outdoor sports and winter activities to go out onto the ice. I don't think we've had cold enough temperatures and long enough for the ice to be thick enough to be safe."

"People will have to plan their routes as well if they're skidooing or whatever. Stay off the waterways, it's not going to be ready anytime soon, even though we have temperatures below 0 both during the day and at night. Of course, I wouldn't trust it for a while." 

The WSA recommends as a guide that you have at least four inches of ice to walk on, eight inches of ice to drive a snowmobile or an ATV, 12 inches for a car or light truck, and more than 12 inches to support a heavy truck. 

When people do venture out into the cold, Hasell said that they should follow best practices to stay safe.

"Generally speaking, awareness and communication is important. Tell people where you're going, how long it's going to take you to get there so that if you don't show up or don't call in people know."