Notice of Public Interest: Spring Icebreaking Operations to Begin in Georgian Bay on Lake Huron - Starting April 27, 2014

MONTREAL, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - April 24, 2014) - The Canadian Coast Guard in partnership with the United States Coast Guard and the Ontario Provincial Police are advising residents and visitors that spring icebreaking operations will begin on Sunday, April 27, 2014, in Georgian Bay.

The United States Coast Guard cutter Neah Bay will make its way into Georgian Bay for Sunday, April 27. Icebreaking operations will be carried out in the following areas: Midland, Owen Sound, Christian Island, Killarney, Whitefish River and Bruce Mines.

The order in which operations are conducted may vary. Operations may also be extended to other areas in Georgian Bay as required.

It is expected that icebreaking activity near the listed communities will be carried out from April 27^th onward until seasonal thaw or breakout is completed.

Dates and routes are subject to change with little or no notice due to operational requirements or sudden and significant changes to weather and ice conditions.

The 2013-2014 winter has produced unusually heavy and persistent ice conditions in the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. Canadian Coast Guard crews and icebreakers have been working hard to provide icebreaking services during such a challenging time.

The Canadian Coast Guard strongly recommends that fishermen and snowmobilers and other recreational users leave the ice immediately if they see an icebreaker in the vicinity. The ice may move or break apart even at a significant distance, creating a hazard for anyone in the area of an icebreaker. All personal property, temporary structures and recreational equipment, should also be moved to shore well before these dates.

Quick Facts

• Spring icebreaking operations and shipping traffic create fragmented ice or open water areas that may be difficult to see from afar and may be further weakened due to changes in weather.
• All ice near icebreaking operations and shipping activity should be considered unsafe.
• Canadian Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard assets in the Great Lakes are working hard together to open routes for maritime commerce despite extreme and persistent ice conditions this spring.

Associated Links

-- http://www.uscg.mil/d9/sectDetroit/

-- http://www.opp.ca/

For more information about the Canadian Coast Guard, visit www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.

Internet: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca

Follow us on Twitter! www.Twitter.com/DFO_MPO