With the warm temperatures, Conservation Halton is reminding residents of the dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Spring is right around the corner, and that means lots of rain, melting snow and shifting ice contributing to higher, faster flowing water in local watercourses.
Conservation Halton’s watershed received a lower-than-normal snowfall this winter. In addition, periods of warm temperatures in January and February resulted in an early snowmelt. The ground within the watershed remains saturated in many places. During periods of intense rain, there could be higher amounts of runoff in short intervals. Slippery, unstable streambanks, and extremely cold water temperatures can lead to hazardous conditions close to waterbodies.
Spring safety tips for residents:
- Keep people and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water.
- Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially waterbodies with ice cover.
- Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies.
- Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
- If you live close to water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the edge to avoid losing them during potential high waters.
- Avoid walking close to or across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. Riverbanks can become unstable due to snowmelt and erosion.
- Rescuing anyone from icy water is dangerous. If you see a person or pet that has fallen through the ice, call 911 immediately.
For more information, contact your local Conservation Authority:
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority (905) 895-1281
- Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (416) 661-6514
- Conservation Halton (905) 336-1158
- Credit Valley Conservation (905) 670-1615
- 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
If you have a news tip or story idea, you can now send us a heads up via email at News1013@LocalRadio.ca. If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
