CHRIS LOWREY
PONTIAC Aug. 1, 2018
Brass at the Petawawa Garrison want to remind boaters on the Ottawa River to keep an eye out for unexploded ordinances.
A press release states that there is a possibility that boaters might encounter these ordinances on beaches on the Ontario side of the river.
Several beaches on the river between Black Point and Black Bear Beach were opened for public access in 2007.
These beaches include Antler Point, Wegner Point, Gust Point and Kiska Beach.
Not only is there a chance of seeing these ordinances on the beaches themselves, but staff at the garrison are also warning about the potential of their presence under water.
The beaches were opened after a multi-year unexploded ordinance clearance project.
Despite the completion of this program, even the most advanced detection technologies have limitations. This combined with the constant flow of the river means that 100 per cent detection is impossible.
“There can never be absolute certainty that all [unexploded ordinance] hazards have been detected and removed,” the press release said.
There are warning signs, buoys and fences that indicate to boaters if an area is off limits and dangerous.
If anyone finds something that looks like an unexploded device, the first priority is to not touch it, remember where it was discovered and call 911 or CFB Petawawa Military Police at 613-687-5555.
