March 10, 2025 – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) is reminding residents of the dangers that exist near rivers, streams, ponds and lakes this time of year and urging people to keep family and pets away from the edges of all waterways.
There has been average amounts of snowfall this winter. In addition, the cold temperatures in January and February without a significant mid-winter thaw resulted accumulation of the snowpack. The ground within the Credit River Watershed is saturated in many places. During periods of rain, there could be higher amounts of runoff. Slippery, icy and unstable stream banks and extremely cold-water temperatures can lead to hazardous conditions close to waterbodies.
Safety Tips
Be safe this spring and remember the following tips:
- Keep family and pets away from the edges of all bodies of water.
- Avoid entering the river. The river may become deeper in areas because of ice jams scouring the riverbed.
- Avoid all recreational activities in or around water, especially near ice-covered watercourses and waterbodies.
- Do not attempt to walk on ice-covered waterbodies to prevent falling through.
- Avoid walking close to/across riverbanks. Riverbanks can become unstable in the spring due to snowmelt and erosion.
- Do not drive through flooded roads or fast-moving water.
- If you live near the water, secure outdoor items. Move objects such as chairs or benches away from the water’s edge to avoid losing them during potential spring high water.
- Rescuing another person or a pet from icy water is dangerous. If you see anyone that has fallen through the ice call 911 for help immediately.
Stay Informed
When flooding is possible or about to occur, Credit Valley Conservation issues flood messages to municipal emergency management officials, emergency medical services, school boards, police and the media. Municipal officials then take action to warn local residents and respond in emergency situations.
We issue also issue flood warnings directly to watershed residents through the CVC website, Facebook account, X (Twitter) account and through Alertable.
Alertable is a community public alert system, offering 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. 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 more information, 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.
-30-
Media contact:
Dawn Cripps
Supervisor, Marketing & Communications
Credit Valley Conservation
M: 437-688-9773
Email