Mayor Kevin Eccles presents certificates to members of JT Excavating, Walker Industries, the Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Flood Watch Team and Steve Ayerhart with the Municipality of West Grey. (Photo provided by Municipality of West Grey)
Midwestern

West Grey recognizes those that responded to frazil ice in 2025

Council for the Municipality of West Grey the efforts of several individuals and companies that helped mitigate a potential flooding disaster in Durham this winter.

A flood watch was prompted in January after frazil ice accumulated along the Saugeen River. The Municipality noted that residents have a long history with the flooding from the accumulation of frazil ice, including a disaster in January 1997 that displaced more than 200 residents and caused well over $1.1 million in damages.

At its meeting on May 20, Mayor Kevin Eccles recognized the extraordinary efforts of those that worked around the clock to keep the ice from blocking the Durham dam over the course of the winter of 2025.

"We have a number of individuals, some companies as well, that went well above and beyond the call of duty to eradicate or limit any of the damage that was done by the frazil ice that formed this winter on the Saugeen," he said. "There's times when the Saugeen is beautiful... and there's times when it's a liability. When frazil ice forms is one of those times."

Those recognized for their work included JT Excavating and Team, Walker Industries and Team, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority Flood Watch Team and Steve Ayerhart with the Municipality of West Grey

Excavators along the Saugeen River this winter, removing frazil ice in order to mitigate potential flooding in Durham. (Photo provided by the Municipality of West Grey)

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