Sled dog races cancelled for Waskimo

Regina’s Waskimo Winter Festival will be missing the sled dog races once again.

The South Saskatchewan Sled Dog Championships were supposed to be returning to the festival for the first time in 30 years.

The races have been cancelled due to a lack of snow on Wascana Lake.

“It’s just too dangerous for the dogs to race on what is essentially bare ice up along Wascana Creek and east out of the city. Safety is our top priority, so we felt it wise to wait and hope for better snow-pack on the lake next winter,” festival organizer Jim Aho explained in a news release.

While noting the sled dog race cancellation is disappointing, organizers said there is enough snow on parts of the east side of the lake to hold all the other planned events.

Wascana Centre will be testing ice thickness throughout the week to ensure safety.

A map showing the areas the public will be able to access the festival on the lake is available online.