Monthly Archive

Members Wanted for Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee

The Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region (MRSPR) is seeking Source Protection Committee members who are interested in protecting municipal drinking water sources in the Mississippi and Rideau Valley watersheds.

The MRSPR Committee was established in 2007 as a result of the Province’s Clean Water Act. The committee guides local efforts to protect drinking water at the source and is made up of one-third municipal, one-third economic and one-third public sector representatives. The composition ensures that a variety of local interests are represented at the decision-making table as the committee works to oversee the implementation of science-based source protection plans.

The committee is currently undergoing a renewal to ensure that it remains in compliance with Ontario Regulation 288/07, the regulation that governs Source Protection Committees under Ontario’s Clean Water Act. The committee is looking for two economic sector representatives to liaise on behalf of commercial, industrial and agricultural interests, as well as two public sector representatives to liaise on behalf of general public, environmental, First Nations and non-governmental organization interests.

“If you have experience and knowledge in one of these two sectors and have an interest in protecting drinking water sources we hope you will apply,” said Marika Livingston, Mississippi-Rideau Source Water Protection Project Manager. “Among other qualifications, these positions require a multi-year commitment, an ability to understand scientific and technical reports and attendance at the two or more Source Protection Committee meetings held each year. Applicants must also live or work in the Mississippi and Rideau watersheds.”

Future work of the Committee includes the review of new scientific and technical information to ensure that the Source Protection Plan and its supporting reports remain current and relevant.

Further details regarding these part-time positions including descriptions of roles and responsibilities and an application form are available online at https://www.mrsourcewater.ca/en/source-protection-committee-member-recruitment. A small per diem as well as expenses (mileage and meals) will be paid while working on Source Protection business.

Applications are being accepted until March 8, 2019.

Cold Weather Causing Ice Jams and Some Localized Flooding in Rideau Valley

January 21, 2019 — The current very cold weather and large snow storm yesterday is creating some localized ice jams which can cause significant fluctuations in water levels as ice builds and releases. More specifically, the RVCA has received reports of ice jams in the Tay River at Port Elmsley which is causing flooding of some residential properties. There may be other areas as well where ice jams have formed and are causing localized flooding, especially along the Tay River. Since ice jams can form anywhere that there is open water, it is difficult to predict where or when they can occur and the impact they may have on the river. As such, please notify RVCA of any other known ice jams that are observed.

The cold weather is to continue for one more day and the temperature will warm and be more within the normal range for this time of year. The warmer temperatures are expected to break up the ice jams.

Residents are advised to stay away from all rivers and watercourses in the vicinity of any ice jams and high water areas.  Parents are encouraged to explain these dangers to their children.

Conservation Authority staff will continue to monitor conditions and issue further statements as conditions warrant. 

"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."

RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:

• Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
• Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
  Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood-prone areas should prepare.
  Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in area watercourses.