Coast guard ship Griffon clearing spring ice this week

PARRY SOUND — Ice-breaking conditions near here should be almost complete.

The Canadian Coast Guard advises in a release that residents of Midland Ontario on Georgian Bay that spring icebreaking operations were to start on or about Saturday March 24.

They say the purpose of this annual operation is to break up the ice in order to allow commercial vessels safe and efficient movement into and out of the harbour. Residents can expect to see the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon icebreaking in the area.

The date is subject to change with no notice, as activities could begin before or after that period, depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.

It is recommended that all recreational users of the ice – pedestrians, fishers, snowmobilers, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators – leave the ice during icebreaking operations. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone on the ice. Additionally, they should plan their activities carefully and use extreme caution after operations are complete as the ice will remain unstable after the icebreaker has left the area.

Coast guard icebreaking service on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways is delivered in close co-operation between the Canadian and United States Coast Guards.

By working together the two Coast Guards ensure scheduled vessel traffic can move through the shipping channels and into and out of community harbours.  Details of the Canadian/U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking partnership can be viewed, here.