RIDEAU VALLEY, June 6, 2023 — New accessible infrastructure, expanded septic services, a new clean water program and the planting of our 7 millionth tree: the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) accomplished all this and more in 2022. 

The RVCA provides conservation-led programs and services based on a watershed-wide model serving 18 member municipalities along the Rideau River and its tributaries. Our wide-ranging programs cover a huge geographic area of more than 4,000 km², from Central Frontenac to Merrickville-Wolford and downriver to the City of Ottawa. Through science, stewardship and education, the RVCA strives to manage local natural resources sustainably to ensure a healthy watershed for the future.

A newly-released 2022 annual report highlights RVCA’s many accomplishments over the year, including:

• 317,000 people visited RVCA conservation areas in 2022 (up from 200,000 annually pre-pandemic)
• 6,783 students participated in outdoor education programs at Baxter and Foley Mountain Conservation Areas
• 2 accessible bridge projects begun at our most popular conservation areas (1 each at Baxter and Chapman Mills conservation areas)
• 239,595 trees planted (7 million planted since 1984)
• 10,127 trees and shrubs planted on 69 waterfront properties
• 3,687m² of invasive species removed during 12 volunteer removal events
• 1,392 Planning Act applications reviewed
• 353 Section 28 applications processed under the Conservation Authorities Act
• 734 septic system applications processed for new or replacement septic systems across nine municipalities
• 117 sites sampled for water quality on lakes, rivers and major tributaries
• 196 Clean Water Projects completed in partnership with landowners
• 2,050 healthy butternut seedlings distributed to help replace dead and dying butternut trees in Eastern Ontario 
• Restoration continued at the Stillwater Wetland Complex (Nepean) and the Hutton Creek Marsh Wetland (Lombardy) 

Staff also met strict approval and customer service goals, issuing 99% of Section 28 permits within provincial timelines and issuing most septic permits within half the provincial timelines.

“Staff work tirelessly to ensure the watershed is healthy and thriving for all who call it home,” said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, RVCA General Manager. “We are extremely proud of our municipally-supported programs that look to build resilient communities in the face of climate change and population growth.”

We extend our thanks to our member municipalities, partners and volunteers who made 2022 such a success and we look forward to a productive 2023.

Download the RVCA’s 2022 Annual Report at www.rvca.ca or call 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 to request a hard copy.

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Request for Proposal 
RVCA Website Development and Support

RFP Inquiry Addendum

Question 1: What is the budget/budget range for website development and support?

Response: We have estimated costs associated with this RFP to be between $60,000 - $90,000.

Question:  Can you provide specific information for your requirements for these:

• Public engagement functionalities
• Project management capabilities
• Performance management tool

Response: Although listed in section 2.2 as required deliverables, we don't have any large need for these functionalities or capabilities. It would be reassuring to know the CMS has the capability to add these elements should it become a need.

Question: Google says there are 4,000 pages of content [on the current site]. Will all this content be included in the new website or will you audit and streamline the content? Do you need assistance with this and if so, to what extent? Will your team input the content after training or do you need assistance with this?

Response: We anticipate reducing content significantly. RVCA’s communication staff are currently working to edit and streamline content. This includes restructuring the menus and flow of the site, although we look forward to sharing that with our successful contractor to gain their input and insight on how to best to present information to improve user experience. We do not anticipate inputting large amounts of content during the initial design stage but rather during the testing phase and following the website’s launch. However, this could be a cost-saving option should our anticipated budget be insufficient.

(WCS – R12/2023)
May 19, 2023 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is terminating the Flood Watch that was previously in effect and issuing a High Water Safety message for Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.

The water levels on Bobs and Christie Lakes continue to decline slowly. Although some precipitation is in the forecast for the weekend, both lakes are now near seasonal levels and are not expected to increase significantly. Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes. Operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.

Water levels and flows in the rest of the Rideau Valley Watershed are generally average for this time of year.

Everyone should be cautious around lakes and streams given the fluctuating water levels. Children should be educated about the hazards and supervised around all watercourses.

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Thursday June 1, 2023 at 5 PM. No further messages will be issued unless forecasted levels or conditions change.

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More Information:

Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141

www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions

"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 specific watercourses or municipalities.