Spring icebreaking on Châteauguay River

Québec, Quebec - The Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) advises people living in Châteauguay, that spring icebreaking operations on the Châteauguay River and at its mouth will begin on February 21, 2018. The date is subject to change without notice and icebreaking could begin after that date, according to operational needs or the prevailing weather conditions.

The purpose of this annual operation is to break up the ice at the entrance of the tributaries in order to prevent ice jams and flooding that may result from the spring thaw.

Owners of facilities or equipment on the ice should move them safely ashore before operations begin. The Coast Guard strongly recommends that pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice when they see the hovercraft in the vicinity. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone in the area of Coast Guard operations.

The icebreaking operations will be carried out by a hovercraft, either the CCGS Mamilossa or the CCGS Sipu Muin - an air-cushioned vehicle with engines that produce a noise similar to that of an aircraft.