Warning buoys being installed at area dams

With the majority of the spring thaw behind the region, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) is preparing for summer.

This week, crews started installing booms and buoys upstream of dams owned and operated by the GRCA. It’s an annual job that warns the thousands of watercourse users each year that dangers lie ahead.

The GRCA operates 28 dams across the Grand River Watershed and is required by Transport Canada to install the warnings.

However, the GRCA notes there are over 100 other dams in the watershed not owned by the organization, and it may not have the same safety warnings installed.

The Canadian Dam Association provides the guidelines for best practices when it comes to dam safety.

Some frequent users of the waterways may notice that some of the warning buoys are yellow and others are orange. The GRCA is in the process of changing all buoys to yellow as part of regulations from Transport Canada.

In a press release the GRCA says:

“It is important to remember that while the water around dams may appear peaceful, the areas upstream and downstream are much more dangerous. The GRCA urges all water enthusiasts to heed the warning buoys and booms, obey the signage and stay away from the dams for their own safety. These booms and buoys will be in place throughout the spring and summer months and will be removed in the fall before winter freeze-up.”