News

March 18, 2021

Yes, even good dogs must be leashed to protect nesting wildlife

RIDEAU VALLEY, March 19, 2021 – Even the goodest of good pups can accidentally harass or kill wildlife while off exploring, which is why we’re reminding visitors to keep their dogs on-leash and on conservation area trails at all times. Spring is a particularly sensitive time, as some birds and animals build their nests on or very close to the ground. These nests can easily be trampled, eaten or otherwise destroyed by curious canines. While we welcome on-leash dogs to most of our conservation areas, RVCA's Conservation Lands manager Chelsey Ellis says her department’s top priority is protecting the natural spaces…

Published in Media Release

March 15, 2021

Team of super sleuths help RVCA investigate Adrains Creek

RIDEAU LAKES, March 15, 2021 – Holmes and Watson would surely approve of the watershed’s latest investigative team: the Township of Rideau Lakes, Upper Rideau Lake Association (URLA) and the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). This spring, staff and volunteers from all three organizations will embark on their second season of a unique collaboration to examine why water quality in Adrains Creek is consistently rated “poor” in RVCA reports – and whether the creek is contributing to the same poor rating in Upper Rideau Lake. RVCA regularly monitors sites throughout Upper Rideau Lake and one site on Adrains Creek. The…

Published in Media Release

March 08, 2021

Spring Outlook: Early Snow Melt and Rising Water Levels Expected Across the Rideau Valley Watershed

WCS – R03/2021 March 8, 2021 –The winter of 2020-21 is quickly coming to an end. After a mild start, February brought cooler temperatures. The watershed saw a significant rain event in late December, followed by below normal precipitation in January and above normal precipitation in February. Current conditions recorded at several RVCA and Parks Canada snow course sites are indicating normal water content amounts in the snow for this time of year. In general, water levels on lakes and flows in the streams are presently below normal for this time of year. The current short-term weather forecast indicates a…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

March 01, 2021

Respect the Rideau: Don’t let huts or hockey nets go down with the ice

OTTAWA, March 1, 2021 – It’s officially March! And you know what that means: time to haul in your fishing huts, hockey nets and other gear before the ice is out. Building materials, rink lights, benches and shovels, garbage and other waste can pollute our rivers and lakes, be toxic for fish and wildlife and create hazards for boaters and swimmers in the spring. Under Ontario law, Eastern Ontario fishing huts must be removed by March 15. However, as the sun gets stronger and the weather begins to warm, it’s wise to remove them sooner rather than later. If you wait too…

Published in Media Release

March 01, 2021

Embrace winter with free outdoor adventure kits from Foley Mountain

WESTPORT, March 1, 2021 – Get out and enjoy everything winter has to offer with a free outdoor adventure kit from Foley Mountain Conservation Area. Beginning March 2, families can pick up one of 100 kits from any Rideau Lakes or Westport library branch. The kits include materials and instructions to identify and follow animal tracks in the snow, explore the wonderful world of snowflakes, do an experiment with a jello mouse, create a backyard birdfeeder, make snow ice cream and more. “This is just another way we’re keeping connected with local families and promoting outdoor education,” said site supervisor…

Published in Media Release

February 22, 2021

RVCA launches flood of new data tools to help prepare for high water

OTTAWA, Feb. 22, 2021 – The spring melt is just around the corner, and what better way to prepare for it than a new and improved flood data website for waterfront residents? The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s flood forecasting webpage now includes access to several new data sets that will help residents in flood-prone areas of the Rideau Valley watershed and parts of the Ottawa River watershed prepare for flood season. These updates include: Real-time water level and streamflow tools, including new gauges in the vulnerable communities of Cumberland, North Gower, Richmond and Brantwood Park; Neighbourhood flood mapping for several vulnerable…

Published in Media Release