OPG and OPP Urgently Remind Users of the Trent-Severn Waterway to Stay Clear, Stay Safe
Always Evaluate Water Conditions and Respect Safety Signs & Barriers
As cities and towns across the province continue to reopen their communities, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) want to remind residents and tourists in the Municipality of Trent Hills area to take extreme caution and exercise sound judgement when around water, especially when near our hydroelectric stations and dams, which can be dangerous.
“Safety of the public is of the utmost importance to us at OPG. We ask everyone to take caution when spending time along the Trent-Severn waterways, where many hydroelectric stations and
control dams are located,” said OPG’s John McCaig, Work Centre Manager at the Campbellford Service Centre. “Whether people are boating, swimming or fishing, flow conditions can change
quickly, sometimes without warning. We must respect all safety signage and barriers and be aware of the dangers waterways can present. And, we need to share this safety message with
our children and visitors to the community.”
“The Ontario Provincial Police continue to make patrols of Ranney Falls in order to provide appropriate education and enforcement as needed to ensure the safety of all community
members and visitors to the area.” said acting Staff Sgt. Mike Davidson.
OPG and the Trent-Severn Waterway have issued warnings and erected signs and barriers to restrict access to areas of the Trent River where it is not safe for recreation. An example is the area in Campbellford around OPG’s Ranney Falls Generating Station (GS) including the whitewater area just upstream of the Trent River. Despite continued warnings, some people have been entering the area this summer, exposing themselves potentially to extreme danger as water levels and flows can change at a moment’s notice. OPG works with the OPP to
enforce these warnings, and could lay trespass charges where appropriate.
Activities on the water can be lots of fun when done safely. The OPP and OPG want you to enjoy your summer, but always remember to stay clear, stay safe and stay distanced, while doing so!
Before participating in any outdoor water recreational activity, OPG is advising the public to first visit: www.opg.com/watersafety.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love