NEWS RELEASE
GRAND RIVER CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
*************************
It took some time to get here, but winter is slowly arriving in the Grand River watershed. With the recent cold snap and cooler temperatures in the forecast, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has opened ice fishing operations at Belwood Lake conservation area.
Conditions will be monitored regularly at Belwood Lake to ensure the ice thickness meets safety requirements. When the ice is too thin, the program will be suspended until it is safe to resume.
Ice fishing at Shade’s Mills conservation area remains closed. GRCA staff have been advised by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) that the contaminants from the jet fuel spill on Sunday have migrated further downstream in Mill Creek than originally understood. As a precaution, ice fishing will not be offered this season until the impact of the fuel spill on the reservoir is determined.
The lead agency in the event of a spill is the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks under the Environmental Protection Act.
The GRCA’s role in the event of a spill into a Grand River watershed river or stream is to support its watershed municipalities and the Ministry by providing river flow information for pollutant travel times and to ensure that downstream drinking water plants have been notified.
Stay safe
The GRCA is encouraging the public to be vigilant around waterways. Parents are reminded to keep their children and pets away from water courses. The recent colder temperatures are allowing for some ice formation on local waterways, but the ice in many locations is thin and unstable.
In addition, banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are slippery and when combined with cold, fast-moving water pose a serious hazard.
Safety information for parents and children is available in the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet.
*************************
