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.
“Conditions around the Caledonia Dam are very dangerous, as it is an active piece of infrastructure,” says Tyler Loney, OPP Community Engagement Officer. “Trespassing poses serious risk for people’s safety, and the safety of emergency responders.”
The Caledonia Dam is owned by the 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. Anglers are prohibited from fishing within 23-metres of any leap, dam, or obstruction, as designated by the Fisheries Act of Canada.
“The public is reminded to follow the posted safety signage. Trespassing at the Caledonia Dam can result in injuries or even fatalities,” says Katelyn Lynch, GRCA Director of Water Infrastructure. “When water flows over the dam and through the fish ladders, strong and dangerous undertows and currents are created. Changing water levels can increase the hazardous undertows and currents.”
The dam and surrounding area will continue to be monitored by GRCA staff, municipal by-law officers, and OPP. The public may report unsafe activities to the OPP through the non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122. Those ignoring safety signage may be fined. The public may report fishing violations to Conservation Officers through the Ministry of Natural Resources Tips Line at 1-877-847-7667 and online at ontario.ca/mnrtips.
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:
Serena Catania, GRCA Supervisor of Communications and Marketing
Phone 519-621-2763 x2240 | Email scatania@grandriver.ca