Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) urges caution around the Caledonia Dam

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA), in partnership with Haldimand County and the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), is urging the public to obey posted rules and safety signage at its Caledonia Dam, located upstream from the Caledonia Bridge.

There have been several reports and observations of unsafe activity near the dam structure this season. Warnings have been issued to people who have ignored safety signage.

“The Caledonia Dam is an active piece of infrastructure with very real hidden dangers,” says Patti Cote, OPP Provincial Constable. “Unauthorized access puts people’s safety at risk, as well as the safety of emergency responders.”

The Caledonia Dam is owned by GRCA. The public is prohibited from accessing the dam, and the surrounding infrastructure, due to dangerous conditions, including fast currents, slippery surfaces and water level changes. Swimming in, on or around the dam is not permitted, and anglers must stay outside the 23-metre restricted fishing zones as designated by the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

“Dams pose serious hazards that can result in injuries or even fatalities if warning signs are ignored,” says Katelyn Lynch, GRCA Director of Water Control Infrastructure. “When water flows over the Caledonia Dam and through the fish ladders, strong undertows and currents are created, which can be extremely dangerous. Changing water levels can increase the hazard upstream and at the dam. Hazardous undertows and currents can be present during both low and high flows.”

The dam and surrounding area will continue to be monitored by GRCA staff, municipal by-law officers, and OPP. Those ignoring safety signage may be fined.

The GRCA owns and operates 28 dams in the Grand River watershed and takes a variety of actions and approaches to help ensure people are safe and have awareness of the dangers around water, and in particular around GRCA dams.

At GRCA dams, safety devices that are provided include warning booms and buoys, a danger sign and a sign that indicates there’s a portage ahead (for sites that are deemed navigable), upstream of the dam. There are also signs located at the upstream and downstream portage locations, and typically more danger signs, prohibiting swimming and trespassing, closer to the dam. At dams with a tailwater fishery, there are also warning signs downstream of the dam warning of changing river flows. These are placed at angler access points and coordinated with groups such as Friends of the Grand River.

The Canadian Dam Association provides guidelines for best industry practices concerning public safety around dams, including recommendations for risk assessments and safety devices including signage, booms, and buoys.

More information about safety around dams is available on the GRCA website. Copies of the GRCA’s River Safety Rules booklet for children are available by contacting the GRCA Administration Centre.

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Media Contacts:

Patti Cote, OPP Provincial Constable, Media Relations Officer, Haldimand Detachment

Email | patti.cote@opp.ca

Lisa Stocco, GRCA Director of Strategic Communications and Environmental Education

Phone 519-621-2763 x2316  |  Email | lstocco@grandriver.ca