Ice cutting underway on Rideau River as City of Ottawa prepares for spring thaw

City of Ottawa crews are cutting ice on the Rideau River, as they prepare for the spring thaw.

The city is warning residents, Saturday, February 20, to stay off the river, as it may be unstable and dangerous. 

Every February and March, the City of Ottawa, in partnership with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, undertakes ice breaking and clearing operations along the Rideau River during the freshet (when water flow is at its peak) to allow water to flow unrestricted, and to alleviate possible spring flooding in flood-prone areas.

Starting above Rideau Falls, saws are used to remove large pieces of ice along portions of the river.

Later in the season explosives and excavating equipment are used in various spots along the river to break ice apart to create open water. Ice breaking operations then continue daily until the river's flow is stabilized.