The Public Safety Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke has been informed by the Canadian Coast Guard that the annual icebreaking operations will commence the week of March 17th. The community is reminded to stay off the ice during this period and to ensure that any structures or gear on the ice are removed in a timely manner.
During icebreaking, cracks in the ice can extend well beyond the ship’s path, impacting the safety of the ice near shorelines and open areas. The Coast Guard may also deploy a helicopter ahead of the ship to verify that there is nothing on or near the ship’s path.
The icebreaker travels very quickly during its operation, posing obvious dangers to anyone on the ice. Kahnawa’kehró:non are reminded to follow these ice safety tips:
- Stay off the ice, as it becomes more unstable and dangerous, especially in the Bay area, where it begins to melt quickly once icebreaking operations have occurred
- Ice movement can occur and pose a real danger to anyone in the operational area of these vessels
- Kahnawa’kehró:non who have left ice huts or any equipment on the ice are advised to bring them back to shore as soon as possible before operations begin
For any questions about ice safety or Coast Guard operations, please contact the Public Safety Division at 450-632-0635 or visit the Coast Guard website at www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca.
