Jan 17, 2025 – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) reminds residents of the dangers near streams, rivers, ponds and lakes this time of year. CVC urges people to exercise caution and keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
We expect frequent freeze-thaw cycles and winter storms to bring wet and mixed precipitation throughout the coming winter months. River ice has started to form with the recent cold spell.
Warm temperatures and precipitation along with melting of snowpack can increase runoff and contribute to higher water levels and faster flows in local watercourses. When rivers and waterbodies are frozen, periods of rainfall and snowmelt can result in weakening and shifting, increasing the potential for ice breakup and unsafe conditions.
Residents living next to watercourses are encouraged to secure loose objects, such as lawn furniture and watercrafts, that are in the floodplain in preparation for the spring snowmelt and rains that can increase the risk of flooding downstream.
Winter Safety
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, including skating in unsanctioned areas
- Tailor your winter outdoor activities to trails at local parks and conservation areas
- Stormwater ponds/facilities were not built for ice skating. Water levels on these ponds can change due to road salt, snow melt and changing temperatures causing cracks and dangerously thin ice.
- Rescuing another person or a pet from ice is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice, call 9-1-1 for help immediately.
Stay Informed
CVC operates a flood forecasting and warning program that monitors weather forecasts and river conditions. We issue flood warnings directly to watershed residents through the CVC website, Facebook account, X (Twitter) account, and through the PEASI Alertable App.
PEASI’s Alertable App, a community public alert system, offers residents real-time flood alerts. It’s free to sign up and receive alerts through push notifications on your mobile device, SMS (text messages), email and/or landline phone call.
Alertable helps residents stay up-to-date on CVC flood warnings without having to actively search for that information. To receive notifications, sign up on the Alertable website.
For information about regional water levels and seasonal changes, please contact your local conservation authority:
- Credit Valley Conservation – (905) 670-1615
- Toronto & Region Conservation Authority – (416) 661-6514
- Conservation Halton – (905) 336-1158
- Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority – (905) 895-1281
- 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
Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is a local conservation authority established by the Ontario government in 1954 to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment of the Credit River Watershed. Our watershed is defined by the area of land where all rainfall, snowmelt and runoff drains into lands and waters flowing into the Credit River. CVC creates connections between people and nature, knowledge and action. We inspire a deep appreciation for the role of nature in keeping people connected, healthy and happy. CVC is a member of Conservation Ontario.
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Media contact:
Sophia Maio
Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
M: 437-240-4801
Email