Vaudreuil-Soulanges

By Chelsey St-Pierre
The Suburban

Residents of Vaudreuil-Soulanges who enjoy winter activities on Lake of Two Mountains should exercise increased caution due to ongoing construction work on the new Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge.

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility has announced that icebreaker boats will operate in Lake of Two Mountains and Vaudreuil Bay throughout the winter season. These vessels are essential for facilitating material transport and barge traffic during the bridge construction.

“The presence of icebreakers will significantly affect ice thickness in these areas,” warns the Ministry spokesperson. “We strongly urge all residents who participate in on-ice activities to take extra precautions.”

The icebreaker operations will run on weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., though this schedule may vary depending on weather conditions and operational requirements. The Ministry emphasizes that it’s the responsibility of individuals to verify ice thickness before venturing onto frozen surfaces.

Public notices about these operations have been posted throughout the region, with local businesses, community centres, sports facilities, and municipal buildings displaying warning signs. The Ministry has made a particular effort to ensure notices are visible in areas frequented by winter sports enthusiasts, including sporting goods stores and waterfront establishments.

This advisory is particularly relevant for ice fishing enthusiasts, snowmobilers, and other winter sports participants who frequent these waterways. Local authorities recommend checking ice conditions regularly and avoiding areas where icebreaker activity is observed.

For winter safety, the Canadian Red Cross recommends a minimum ice thickness of 15 centimetres for walking or skating alone, and at least 20 centimetres for group skating or games. These guidelines become even more critical in areas affected by icebreaker operations.

The Île-aux-Tourtes Bridge construction project continues to progress, with these winter measures ensuring uninterrupted work throughout the cold season.

The advisory issued by the MTQ is in French only. n