Transport Canada issued an Interim Order yesterday closing rivers in the Mattawa area to the public.
The areas closed are listed as:
- Ottawa River between the Otto Holden Dam and the Deux Montagnes Lake (near Hudson, Quebec) and
- Mattawa River, between Hurdman Dam and confluence of Mattawa River and Ottawa River.
"The closure is necessary to protect the safety of people and vessels, and to help first responders do their jobs in flooding conditions as well as to protect the temporary berms," says OPP Acting Sergeant Shona Camirand .
Navigation by non-emergency vessels is strictly prohibited. This includes pleasure craft and human-powered craft, such as canoes or kayaks.
"There are a few exceptions, one being a person who operates a vessel solely to gain access to their property that is not accessible by road," adds Camirand.
People found boating in the closed area will be subject to a charge and fine of not more than $1,000,000 or to imprisonment for a term of not more than 18 months, under the federal Canada Shipping Act.
The full media release from Transport Canada can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/
Meanwhile, Transport Canada lifted the order restricting navigation in the Muskoka region including:
- Lake Muskoka
- North and South Branches of the Muskoka River
- Moon River
