Icebreaking at the Port of Thunder Bay, Ontario

December 28, 2020
Sarnia, Ontario
Canadian Coast Guard

Sarnia, Ontario – The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents of Thunder Bay, Ontario on Lake Superior that the CCGS Samuel Risley will be carrying out icebreaking operations on or around December 28, 2020. The purpose of this operation is to break up the ice in order to allow commercial vessels safe and efficient movement into and out of the Port of Thunder Bay.

It is recommended that all recreational users of the ice  - pedestrians, fishers, snowmobilers, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) operators - leave the ice during icebreaking operations. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone on the ice. Additionally, they should plan their activities carefully and use extreme caution after operations are complete as the ice will remain unstable after the icebreaker has left the area.

Coast Guard icebreaking service on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways is delivered in close co-operation between the Canadian and United States Coast Guards. By working together the two Coast Guards ensure scheduled vessel traffic can move through the shipping channels and into and out of community harbours.

The date and assets are subject to change with no notice, as activities could begin before or after that period, depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.

Details of the Canadian/U.S. Coast Guard icebreaking partnership can be viewed, here.