The quest to alleviate ongoing spring flooding problems in flood-prone areas along the Rideau River begins Monday as workers began ice-breaking operations.

City of Ottawa workers and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority will break the ice, including blasting, which they do each winter.

The work will be carried out daily between Rideau Falls and Hog's Back to create open water.

Residents should remain a reasonable distance from the river until the operations are done.