Conservation Authority Recommends Caution near Watercourses (media release, March 12, 2021)

March 12, 2021 – The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) reminds watershed residents to be extremely cautious near watercourses and to stay off of all frozen water bodies.

“We remind everyone that rivers, streams, ditches, and ponds are hazardous,” said Eleanor Heagy, UTRCA Communications Specialist. “Parents are encouraged to keep children and pets away from all watercourses and off of frozen water bodies.

The UTRCA expects local streams, rivers, ponds and ditches to remain elevated over the weekend, as runoff from the melting snow reaches the waterways. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery and, when combined with cold, fast-moving water, pose a serious hazard. Any remaining ice cover is weakened and unstable. Flood control reservoirs are especially hazardous due to fluctuating water levels.

The City of London Police have issued a Boating Ban for the Thames River within London.

The UTRCA does not anticipate any serious flooding at this time, but low lying areas and parklands may be inundated in some areas, such as the Flats in St. Marys, as well as Harris and Gibbons Parks in London.

The UTRCA’s flood control reservoirs at Fanshawe, Wildwood, and Pittock Conservation Areas are at seasonal levels and are being operated to reduce any downstream flooding. UTRCA officials are monitoring the situation, and will report on any changing conditions as necessary.

See Thames River flow and water level information

Contact: Eleanor Heagy, Communications Specialist