Crowds gather as Canadian Coast Guard wraps up ice breaking in Midland Harbour

Ice breaking operations get underway on Georgian Bay in Midland.

The thinning ice on Midland Harbour was no match for the Canadian Coast Guard’s final ice breaking operation of the season on Wednesday.

The CCGS Amundsen made its last pass through the harbour, drawing dozens of onlookers eager to witness the powerful vessel at work.

"There was actually about 200 people here earlier today, and it’s a beautiful day, so why not come out," said Garnet Reid, who arrived to watch the ship in action.

Cameras clicked and Canadian flags waved as the massive vessel plowed through the ice, making way for commercial ships. The coast guard, police and fire warn people to stay off the ice in the harbour for the rest of the season, even if it appears to freeze again.

“There is open water. The mild weather is thinning out the ice so we ask that you stay off the ice,” said Midland Fire Chief Richard Renaud.