Canada announced the lifting of navigation restrictions in certain zones previously identified in Interim Order no.3 Respecting Flooded Areas, due to improved navigational safety conditions.
Following consultations with local authorities and law enforcement, Minister of Transport Marc Garneau has removed the Deux Montagnes Lake, the Mille Îles River and the Des Prairies River from the list of waters where navigation is restricted.
However, while navigation is allowed now for all type of vessels on these waterways, a temporary speed restrictions of 5.5 knots is in place to limit wake.
This new Interim Order no.4 Respecting Flooded Areas issued today maintains navigation restrictions on the following waterways:
- the Ottawa River between the Otto Holden Dam (near Mattawa, Ontario) and the Deux Montagnes Lake (near Hudson, Quebec); and
- the Mattawa River, between Hurdman Dam and confluence of Mattawa River and Ottawa River.
The speed restriction of 9 knots for upriver traffic and 11 knots for downriver traffic remains in place between Ile des Barques and Batiscan, Quebec.
As previously stated, individuals who can only access their property by boat are exempted from the Interim Order and other restrictions for the purpose of going to and from their property.
If citizens must use a waterway to access a property, they are urged to navigate at as slow a speed as possible.
Public ferry services are exempted but are subject to review by Transport Canada to ensure safety.
All vessel operators are asked to be cautious on the waters and watch for debris.
Any violation of these provisions (either speed above the maximum or navigation in closed areas) is subject to fines of up to $5000 through an Administrative Monetary Penalty, or in the case of summary conviction, up to $1 million or up to 18 months in prison, or the seizure of the vessel.
Although the situation is gradually improving in some sectors, it is not yet back to normal. We are aware of the impacts caused by navigation restrictions and speed limits, and we are ready to lift those restrictions completely as soon as we can. I would like to thank all those who continue to comply with the existing restrictions as we need to minimize any damage to property and the environment,
…said Marc Garneau, Canada’s Minister of Transport.
