Here's what you need to know about flood control on the Rideau River

[guest]

While it might not seem like it, winter is almost over. You may have already seen the Rideau River Flood Control Team preparing for the arrival of spring and the potential flooding that comes with it. The City and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority team up to undertake the extensive flood prevention work.

To prevent springtime flooding, work needs to be done over the span of one or two months before the temperatures warm up. First, the snow is cleared from the ice. This allows the crew to drill test holes and move on to the next step, which is cutting out strips of ice called keys.

While the ice may look inviting after the keys are cut, it is not safe for residents to walk or skate on. Once the keys are cut, controlled blasts and an amphibious excavation machine break the ice into smaller pieces.

This year’s operations began at the end of January. Blasting begins February 26 and continues until the river’s flow stabilizes. Don’t be alarmed if you hear blasts along the Rideau River where crews are working. This is a normal part of their operations and occurs every year.

These operations make the river ice extremely dangerous. Residents must stay off the ice at all times. While the river may look frozen, the ice is very unstable and dangerous. The teams working on it wear protective equipment and have the proper training to stay safe.

Why are flood control operations starting now?

Flood control operations for the Rideau River typically occur between February and March, depending on weather conditions. These operations help improve water flow by making sure ice doesn’t cause blockages and prevent flooding along the river as temperatures rise.

To learn more about flood control operations along the Rideau River, visit ottawa.ca.

For more information on City programs and services, visit ottawa.ca, call 3-1-1 (TTY: 613-580-2401) or 613-580-2400 to contact the City using Canada Video Relay Service. You can also connect with us through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

查看原文...