Sudbury's annual polar plunge goes ahead without a frozen lake

Published: March 03, 2024 at 4:51PM EST

Warm weekend ahead under sunny skies After the recent cold snap, temperatures should stay above zero this weekend in northeastern Ontario with highs ranging from 4-10 C.

Even with the sunshine and spring-like temperatures, the Greater Sudbury’s annual Polar Plunge organized by the Greater Sudbury Police Service (GSPS) took place Saturday to raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario.

The March 2 event was moved from its regular location to the municipal parking lots on Paris Street at the York Street intersection.

“Although this year looked a little different due to ice conditions on Ramsey Lake, it was still a great success thanks to all of our amazing event participants, volunteers, organizers and sponsors,” said GSPS in a social media post following the event.

Not letting the lack of ice on area lakes put the critical fundraiser ‘on ice’ organizers set up a large tank filled with icy water and portable saunas in the parking lot to ensure an authentic experience.

Sudbury Polar Plunge 2024 - TANK Two Sudbury police officers in front of the tank set up in the municipal parking lot on Paris Street on March 2, 2024 for the city's annual polar plunge event. (Facebook/Greater Sudbury Police Service)

Funds raised at the event support local Special Olympics athletes.

“All monies raised today will remain in Sudbury,” said police.

As has become tradition, GSPS Chief Paul Pedersen opened the event with a speech noting the police service’s admiration for Special Olympics Ontario and their athletes and their continued support for them.

“We’re doing this so they have the ability to play their sport and be the best they can be,” he said.

Sudbury Polar Plunge 2024 - CHIEF Greater Sudbury Police Service Chief Paul Pedersen pictured with Ontario Special Olympic athletes and volunteers at the 2024 Sudbury Polar Plunge on March 2, 2024. (Facebook/Greater Sudbury Police Service)

The event included a 50/50 draw with a jackpot prize of about $4,000. Organizers also had prizes for the top fundraisers, best costumes and most spirited participants.

Sudbury Polar Plunge 2024 - Tyler Sevigny Tyler Sevigny prepares to take a plunge into cold water in front of a crowd at the Sudbury Polar Plunge event on March 2, 2023. (Facebook/Greater Sudbury Police Service)

There was a lot of excitement and cheering as members of the community jumped into the freezing water – though the plungers’ smiles were often replaced by more cringed faces or gasping as they hit the chilly waters before grabbing towels and heading to the saunas to warm up.

Sudbury Polar Plunge 2024 - PLUNGERS Participants in the 2024 Sudbury Polar Plunge event prepare of their dip into a cold water tank on March 2, 2023. (Facebook/Greater Sudbury Police Service)

While the event did not exactly live up to its slogan of ‘Freezin’ for a reason’ given the warm weather it was still not the most pleasant experience for those participating.

Sudbury Polar Plunge 2024 - PLUNGERS JUMPING One of several groups of participants jumping into a tank of icy water as part of the Sudbury Polar Plunge event on March 2, 2024. (Facebook/Greater Sudbury Police Service)

The event is still a little more than $4,000 short of its fundraising goal of $30,000 at the time of this publication but donations can still be made online at the event’s CrowdChange page.