Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) reminds residents of the dangers near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes this time of year. CVC urges people to exercise caution and keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
While temperatures have declined since December’s unseasonably warm weather, we are experiencing frequent freeze-thaw cycles and winter storms bringing wet and mixed precipitation. We expect this to continue throughout the coming winter months.
Fluctuations of temperature and precipitation types can increase runoff and contribute to higher water levels and faster flows in local watercourses. Once rivers and waterbodies become ice covered, periods of rainfall and snowmelt can result in the weakening, shifting, and melting of that ice cover, making it unsafe.
Residents living next to watercourses are encouraged to secure loose objects, such as lawn furniture and watercrafts, that are in the floodplain in preparation for the spring snowmelt and rains that can increase the risk of flooding downstream.
- Â Keep family and pets away from all bodies of water
- Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, including skating in unsanctioned areas
- Tailor your winter outdoor activities to trails at local parks and conservation areas
- Stormwater ponds/facilities were not built for ice skating. Water levels on these ponds can change due to road salt, snow melt and changing temperatures causing cracks and dangerously thin ice.
- Rescuing another person or a pet from ice is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice, call 9-1-1 for help immediately.
- Credit Valley Conservation – (905) 670-1615
- Toronto & Region Conservation Authority – (416) 661-6514
- Conservation Halton – (905) 336-1158
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority – (905) 895-1281
- Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority – (905) 579-0411
- Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority – (905) 885-8173
- Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority – (705) 424-1479
- Kawartha Conservation – (705) 328-2271
The post CVC Winter Safety Message: Be Safe Near Waterways, Unsafe Ice appeared first on Just Sayin’ Caledon.
