The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has issued a watershed statement for high water levels which is expected to be in place until Tuesday.
Over the past week, Ottawa has experienced over 30 mm of rain mixed with snow, and rollercoaster temperatures. With the rain and snowmelt, RVCA said significant flooding is not anticipated but water levels within the watershed are expected to rise.
“The RVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all waterbodies and to remind children about the dangers of playing near open water or ice formations,” a press release from the conservation authority reads.
Ottawa Police are also reminding residents that at this time of year, ice is not safe. “Cold water temperatures at this time of year can prevent even strong swimmers from escaping once they’ve fallen through the ice,” it posted on X.
Last December two teens died and another two were taken to hospital after falling though the ice on the Rideau River in the city’s south end.