Ice boom removal on Rivière Gatineau: residents asked to exercise caution

Hydro-Québec is asking residents to be extra cautious this week as it removes an ice boom upstream of Chelsea generating station.

The boom is located in the Wakefield area of the municipality of La Pêche. As it is removed, debris (branches, small objects, etc.) could drift downstream for some 20 kilometres to Chelsea generating station.

Hydro-Québec underscores the danger of engaging in recreational activities on bodies of water near hydroelectric facilities. Paying attention to the signs and protective structures installed in these areas is crucial to everyone’s safety.

About the ice boom
The ice boom Hydro-Québec installs on the Gatineau helps form a stable ice cover, which reduces the potential for ice jams further downstream—in this case, at Chelsea generating station. The boom is always installed in the fall and removed after the spring run-off.

These protective structures have been approved by Transport Canada and are positioned and installed in keeping with environmental regulations.

To report a situation that represents a risk to public safety, call Hydro-Québec at 1 877 816-1212 (available 24/7).

Community Relations – Lanaudière, Laurentides, Laval and Outaouais