Current Status: Normal

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Spring Safety Message: Exercise Caution Near Waterways

Friday March 9, 2023

BURLINGTON – Conservation Halton reminds residents of the dangers that can exist near streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes around this time of year, and urges people to keep family and pets away from any water’s edge.

There is still a significant amount of snow throughout Conservation Halton’s jurisdiction resulting from recent snowfall events.  The ground remains frozen and smaller streams and ponds may still be partially covered in ice.  With warmer weather, comes melting snow and potential rain which will contribute to higher water levels and increased velocities in local watercourses.  As well, slippery and unstable streambanks and extremely cold-water temperatures can also lead to hazardous conditions close to bodies of water.

​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 any waterbodies with remaining ice cover.
• Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies or 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 spring high water.
• Avoid walking close to/across riverbanks and ice-covered water to prevent falling through. River banks can become unstable in the spring due to snowmelt and erosion.
• Rescuing another person or a pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 911 for help 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

About Conservation Halton’s Flood Forecasting and Operations Program

Conservation Halton provides a flood forecasting and operations program to reduce the risk of property damage and loss of life due to flooding.

When flooding is possible or about to occur, Conservation Halton issues flood messages to municipal emergency management officials, school boards, police, and EMS as well as the media.  The municipal officials then take action to warn local residents.

Conservation Halton is responsible for the maintenance and operation of four major flood control dams (Kelso, Hilton Falls, Scotch Block and Mountsberg) and over 12 kilometers of flood conveyance channels (Sixteen Mile Creek through Milton, Morrison-Wedgewood diversion in Oakville and the Hager-Rambo diversion in Burlington).

Conservation Halton is the community based environmental agency that protects, restores, and manages the natural resources in its watershed. The organization has staff that includes ecologists, land use planners, engineers, foresters, and educators, along with a network of volunteers, who are guided by a Board of Directors comprised of municipally elected and appointed citizens. Conservation Halton is recognized for its stewardship of creeks, forests and Niagara Escarpment lands through science-based programs and services.

CONTACTS:

Glenn Farmer
Manager, Flood Forecasting & Operations
Mobile: 647-458-1046
gfarmer@hrca.on.ca

Shelly Datseris
Manager, Communications and Marketing
Mobile: 905-208-0030
sdatseris@hrca.on.ca

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Current Rivers & Streams Flood Status: Normal

Conservation Halton Flood Terminology

The following is the flood and water safety terminology that is used by Conservation Halton, as well as other conservation authorities throughout Ontario, and Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. The terms were developed by a committee of representatives of conservation authorities, Conservation Ontario, the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry and Environment Canada, to ensure alignment with terminology used by other agencies such as the Weather Network.

Additional Resources