(CAMPBELLFORD, ON) – Northumberland Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Trent Hills Fire Department (THFD) are issuing a warning to motorized snow vehicle users (snowmobiles) to remain off the Trent River in Campbellford.
The winter of 2014 has sent large quantities of snowfall to the Northumberland area and this has made for ideal conditions for snowmobile use on area trails.
Recently, users of snowmobiles have been seen travelling at night along the Trent River in the town core in the village Campbellford under the Bridge Street Bridge and near the power dam at Trent Drive.
Police and Fire are concerned as there is potential for open water in these areas as the water and ice conditions change daily and are constantly unpredictable. Unsuspecting snowmobilers may be putting themselves in jeopardy if they come into this area not aware of what is ahead.
OPP and Fire are asking that people stay off the Trent River at all times to avoid unnecessary injury or potential loss of life. The urgency of this message is that if snowmobilers are in these areas and do become involved in situation that requires assistance, it will take OPP and Fire a considerable amount of time for a rescue onto the river as easy access is not available and a significant distance must be travelled from a suitable access entrance point with their equipment.