The Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) urges residents and visitors to exercise caution and keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways and water bodies. Streams, rivers, ponds and lakes are extremely dangerous at this time of year as streambanks are slippery and unstable and the water is cold.
While temperatures have declined since November’s unseasonably warm days, we are experiencing periodic freeze-thaw cycles, causing recurrent melting of accumulated snow and ice cover. The melted ice and snow cause higher water levels, faster flowing water in waterways, potentially creating very hazardous conditions.
This year more than ever, we want to remind all nature seekers to be extremely cautious when outside this winter.
Be safe this winter and remember the following tips:
- Keep family and pets away from all bodies of water
- Avoid all recreational activities in or around water
- Only use trails at your local parks and conservation areas for winter outdoor activities, and only when they are maintained
- Follow staff instructions and signage throughout NVCA conservation areas
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