Every year, the City of Ottawa’s Roads and Parking Services team works in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to prepare for its annual Rideau River Flood Control (RRFC) operations and blasting. This unique process that has been in place since the late 1890s, puts the city's team on the ice – first to clear the snow, then to cut the ice and finally to blast it. These operations are critical to mitigating the risk of flooding in the communities along the Rideau River.
Although it still looks like winter out there, spring is on the horizon and operations are officially underway! On February 10, the Rideau River Flood Control team was mobilized and began preparing equipment and drilling test holes at several locations throughout the river corridor. Once these preliminary steps conclude, the team begins working on clearing snow and cutting keys in the forebay, before working their way towards Porter Island.
To ensure everyone’s safety as we continue preparing for these operations, the City is reminding everyone to stay off the ice for the remainder of the winter season.
Rideau River – a dangerous place for winter activities
The Rideau River Flood Control team is actively working on preparing the area for blasting, and clearing snow from its surface is included as part of these operations.
It is imperative that everyone stays off the ice and away from staff's workspace. This year, we have already seen people using the frozen river for winter activities once the snow has been cleared off the ice. Although the ice surface appears to be frozen, it is unstable due to the ongoing blasting preparations, and is unsafe. The frozen river is a very dangerous place, and at no time should anyone be using it for any type of winter activity. When crews are on the ice, they are using appropriate protective equipment and are trained to work safely in areas with thin ice or open water. Residents do not have this training and are at risk of falling into open water or through thin ice.
Walking or skating on an open river, like the Rideau River, is dangerous and residents and visitors are to remain off the ice. We’ve placed signage in the area as a reminder but want to spread the word to protect residents and visitors from the dangers of playing on the Rideau River.
Rideau River Blasting
Weather and ice conditions permitting, blasting on the Rideau River is scheduled to begin tomorrow, March 1. Please visit Ottawa.ca for more information.
