MISSISSAUGA – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is reminding residents of the dangers on and near local streams, rivers, ponds and lakes at this time of year.
CVC urges people to exercise caution, and keep family members and pets away from the edges of all waterways and off frozen water bodies, which are extremely unsafe.
Warmer weather usually brings rain, melting snow and shifting ice, which can contribute to higher, faster flowing water.
Slippery, unstable streambanks and extremely cold water temperatures can lead to very hazardous conditions.
The Credit River Watershed has received a significant amount of snow this winter, though a few recent thaws have helped decrease the snowpack.
Melting snow due to warmer temperatures, combined with spring rainfall and frozen ground conditions, could contribute to higher water levels and increased water speeds in local watercourses.
There is still significant ice cover throughout the watershed.
Several ice jams remain grounded along the Credit River at Barber (Paper) Mill Dam in Halton Hills, the Ferndale Park in Caledon and at Meadowvale Park in Mississauga.
Remaining ice jams and ice cover on watercourses will weaken and become unstable with warmer temperatures.
CVC continues to work with municipal emergency services to keep them constantly informed about current and changing conditions within local watercourses.
