De-Icing Projects
At Aquatic Engineering, our de-icing systems provide an effective, energy-efficient solution for keeping critical water areas ice-free during the winter. By continuously circulating warmer water from the depths to the surface, our systems prevent ice formation around docks, marinas, intake structures, and other vulnerable areas. Designed for reliable cold-weather performances, these systems help protect infrastructure, reduce ice damage, and maintain open water for winter operations. Durable, low-maintenance, and cost-effective, our de-icing solutions deliver dependable protection during the winter season.
Fire Water Pond De-Icing System
Hardisty, Alberta
In the fall of 2025, a large industrial group in Hardisty, Alberta, contacted AEC after learning about the work we had completed for a similar firewater pond. Their primary goal for this project was to increase the pond's capacity over the winter, as in previous years, the pond had frozen over completely, limiting water availability. They also wanted to maintain a small, open area or a thin sheet that could be broken, to truck in additional water as needed. AEC proposed a fine-bubble system to thin the ice cover across the entire pond and ensure emergency access, which was scaled to fit the client's budget and approved by their engineering consultant.
Industrial Fire Water Pond De-Icing System
Hardisty, Alberta
A large energy company in Hardisty, Alberta, contacted us in 2024 to assess and replace a failing bubbler de-icing system in their firewater pond. Their existing system had been inoperable for years and was causing ongoing operational issues due to freezing in the airlines. Our team completed an on-site assessment to identify the problems with the system, designed a proper replacement, and installed a fully reliable, freeze-resistant de-icing system around the pond's intake pipeline.
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In late 2024, we partnered with a large coal mining operation near Elkford, British Columbia, nestled in the rugged Canadian Rockies. The site faced a critical challenge: keeping parts of their tailings pond ice-free as winter approached, so dredging work could continue without delays. To address this, we were brought in to develop and install a custom bubbler de-icing system. The system had to be tough enough to handle harsh mountain conditions, quick to deploy, effective in shallow water, and capable of maintaining an open water path for workboats supporting ongoing dredging operations.
As an ongoing project, our team is incredibly proud to be involved in, is the de-icing portion of the Wolfe Island Ferry Dock Upgrade project, scheduled to be completed in 2025.
In 2023, our team installed 30 Can-Air Pro XL De-icer diffusers into the Kingston Harbour to maintain an ice-free path for the new Wolfe Islander ferry to travel. The remainder of the installation is scheduled for summer 2024. That portion will include the installation of the custom lengths of bubbler de-icing line around the new dock perimeter. Stay tuned to see more updates!
Manitoba Hydro Powerline De-icing
Manitoba
We were approached by Manitoba Hydro employees who needed emergency assistance to de-ice powerline towers. The base of these towers had been surrounded by a flood and now that it was frozen, the towers were being warped by ice damage. Our consultants advised them to chip away at the ice and place a Kasco 1HP De-Icer which successfully de-iced the area, allowing for tower repair, and protected the repaired infrastructure for the winter.