WELLINGTON COUNTY – The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has started its annual installation of public safety devices upstream of GRCA-owned dams.
The installation of buoys and booms, which helps alert paddlers, anglers and boaters, began on April 14 and is expected to be complete by mid-May.
In accordance with Transport Canada regulations, the GRCA is gradually replacing existing orange booms with yellow booms.
“The annual installation of these public safety devices is one of the many ways the GRCA educates the public about the dangers around dams and is one part of our robust dam safety program,” states GRCA director of water infrastructure Katelyn Lynch.
“This year, the GRCA also hosted a Public Safety Around Dams Workshop, delivered by the Canadian Dam Association,” she said.
“Municipal staff from across the Grand River watershed, as well as staff from Transport Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources, joined GRCA staff at the workshop.”
Dams can pose serious hazards that can result in injuries or even fatalities if warning signs are ignored.
Water surges through gates and valves or over the dams, creating strong undertows and currents around the structures, which can be extremely dangerous.
The GRCA owns and operates 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and takes a variety of actions and approaches to help ensure people are safe and have awareness of the dangers around water, and in particular around GRCA dams.
While the water around dams may appear peaceful, the areas upstream and downstream are much more dangerous.
The GRCA urges all water enthusiasts to heed the warning buoys and booms, obey the signage and stay away from the dams for their own safety.
These booms and buoys will be in place throughout the spring and summer months and will be removed in the fall before winter freeze-up.
For more information visit the GRCA website.
