Sarnia, Ontario - The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents in the areas of Northern Georgian Bay, Frazer Bay, and McGregor Bay, Ontario, that the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Griffon will carry out icebreaking operations in the area on or around March 26, 2023. The purpose of this operation is to break up the ice to allow commercial vessels safe access to the Lafarge Whitefish River Terminal on La Cloche Peninsula, Ontario.
It is strongly recommended that pedestrians, fishers and snowmobilers leave the ice when they see the icebreaker in the vicinity.
The Canadian Coast Guard reminds the public that it can be very dangerous to venture onto the ice and suggest that they familiarize themselves with our ice safety tips. All ice surface users should plan their ice activities carefully, use caution on the ice and avoid the shipping lanes and icebreaking operations. Even if temperatures are cold, ice can be expected to be deteriorating naturally due to spring conditions and the effects of the sun. Extreme caution must be exercised should anyone venture out onto the ice.
At all levels, the Canadian Coast Guard and United States Coast Guard work closely together and have developed a longstanding partnership to provide icebreaking services in the Great Lakes.
Details of the Canadian/U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking partnership can be viewed here.
