Spring Safety Message: Be Careful Around Waterways

Hazardous conditions on and around bodies of water

TORONTO, March 7, 2019 /CNW/ - Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is reminding residents of the dangers that exist near bodies of water around this time of year, and urging people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.

Spring is quickly approaching and with warmer temperatures, people look forward to getting outdoors. However, warmer temperatures also usually bring rain, melting snow and shifting ice which can contribute to higher, faster flowing water in watercourses.

Although TRCA's watersheds have received above average amounts of snow so far this winter, a few recent thaws have helped to decrease the existing snowpack amount. However, melting snow due to warming temperatures, combined with spring rainfall and frozen ground conditions throughout the jurisdiction could contribute to higher water levels and increase water speeds in local watercourses. Significant ice cover is present in TRCA watercourses and active ice jams remain in the Humber River at King Street in Bolton, Broda Drive in Vaughan, and in the vicinity of Old Mill in Toronto.

Slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures can also lead to dangerous conditions close to any body of water. Ice jams and ice cover remaining on watercourses or lakeshore areas will weaken and become unstable with warmer temperatures.

Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:

• Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water.
• Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice jams or ice-covered watercourses.
• Do not attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
• If you live close to the water, move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water's edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water.

For more information, contact your local Conservation Authority.

• Toronto & Region Conservation Authority - [phone]
• Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority - [phone]
• Conservation Halton - [phone]
• Credit Valley Conservation - [phone]
• Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority - [phone]
• Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority - [phone]
• Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority - [phone]
• Kawartha Conservation - [phone]

SOURCE Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Media Contact: Jess Harris, Media Relations Specialist, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, [phone] [email protected]

Related Links

www.trca.on.ca