Spring Icebreaking on the Saguenay River

Québec, Quebec – The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents and visitors along the Saguenay Fjord that the icebreaker CCGS Pierre Radisson is expected to begin spring icebreaking operations in the area on March 10, 2020. This date is subject to change without notice; activities could begin before or after that date depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.

Owners who have facilities or equipment on the ice should now move them safely ashore.

The Canadian Coast Guard recommends that pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice when they see the icebreaker in the vicinity. The ice may move, creating a danger for anyone in the area of the ship’s operations.

Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers are easily recognizable. They have a red hull with a transverse white band in the centre, and a white funnel on top bearing a maple leaf.

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

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