Annual Parks Creek ice clear out starts Monday

North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority
News Release

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The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) announced today that the NBMCA will be removing ice from the surface of Parks Creek on Monday, March 23, 2009 as part of the NBMCA's overall floodplain management responsibilities.

"The removal of the ice will enable the creek to absorb the runoff from the spring melt to ensure that people and property are safe from the risks associated with significant floods," explains Troy Storms, Fields Operations Supervisor, NBMCA. "The ice removal will also continue a short ways into Lake Nipissing and we are urging the public and snowmobilers to be extremely cautious when travelling near Parks Creek."

Residents in the area should experience minimal disruption from the ice dredging project. The NBMCA is not anticipating any disturbance to the creek bed and the ice will be piled on the banks of Parks Creek to slowly melt throughout the spring. Individuals who wish additional information are welcome to contact the NBMCA at 474-5420.

Mandated by the Province of Ontario to proactively and reactively respond to floodplain issues, the NBMCA constructed a Backflood Control Structure on Parks Creek in 1995 to prevent flooding due to high water from Lake Nipissing on properties within the Parks Creek floodplain. As part of the maintenance plan for the Backflood Control Structure, the conditions at Parks Creek are assessed each spring and autumn for the creek's capacity to accommodate the season's increased water flows.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority was founded in 1972 by the Province of Ontario and its 10 member municipalities. A non-profit organisation, the NBMCA works closely with the public to ensure the environmental health of the region's watershed. The NBMCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities who are members of Conservation Ontario.

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