News from: March 2018

April 11, 2018 – A weather system out of the mid-west U.S. has the potential to bring several forms of precipitation in significant amounts in to eastern Canada over the next week.

Snow, rain and freezing rain may fall beginning tonight with showers or flurries. Tomorrow, rain is forecast to fall through the afternoon. Rain is expected to begin again late on Friday morning and continue into Saturday, changing to snow in the early morning finishing with as much as 20 centimetres. Rain is presently expected to resume on Sunday and continue into Monday.

If the full amount of forecast precipitation falls, there is the potential for minor flooding to occur in the Long Reach of the Rideau near Kemptville. The lower lying communities in that area may have access issues.

Water levels throughout the watershed are below average for the time of year so there is capacity to accommodate some of the runoff with little impact. Cooler than normal temperatures are forecast which could mean that the runoff process will be slowed to an extent with freezing temperatures overnight. Temperatures closer to spring-like are not expected until the end of next week.

This weather system has the potential to develop into a more significant event over the next five days. RVCA staff will continue to monitor and further statements will be issued if conditions warrant.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Streambanks are slippery and any remaining ice cover on streams, ponds and lakes will be hazardous. Parents are advised to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses as levels fluctuate with the spring weather.

In Accordance with the Participant Waiver and Release
For a PDF copy of this document, click here.

RVCA Event Co-ordinator Responsibilities

Safeguard the safety and security of Participants by:

• Ensuring they receive appropriate training to complete each task;
• Ensuring they do not use RVCA power equipment or operate an RVCA vehicle;
• Informing them, in writing, of any known potential site hazards and ensuring theyhave appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);
• Providing them with appropriate supervision and feedback;
• Understanding and appropriately accommodating personal physical limitations.

Respect the rights of Participants and protect their personal information;
Provide Participants with a meaningful experience.

Participant Rights

• Receive appropriate information to understand the risks involved with the event and to appreciate the purpose of the event;
• Receive appropriate training and supervision;
• Decline to perform any tasks which you may feel are unsafe;
• Be treated with respect by RVCA staff and other participants;
• Provide feedback on the event to improve future activities.

Participant Responsibilities

• Ensure you have your own transportation to the work site and/or RVCA office, as directed;
• Read and sign the Participant Waiver and Release before participating in the event;
• Follow policies, protocols and procedures established by the RVCA and as directed by the Event Co-ordinator;
• Clarify any uncertainties with the Event Co-ordinator;
• Take reasonable care when carrying out your tasks;
• Inform the Event Co-ordinator of any physical limitations or restrictions;
• Wear Personal Protective Equipment or clothing identified as mandatory by your Supervisor, including but not limited to safety clothing such as steel-toed boots, sunscreen or other appropriate outdoor wear;
• Work cooperatively with RVCA staff, recognizing and appreciating differences of opinion;
• Be considerate, respect competencies and work as a team with all staff and other Participants;
• Use time wisely and not interfere with performance of others;
• Immediately report all accidents and injuries to the Event Co-ordinator;
• While participating in events for the RVCA, smoking and using or possessing illegal drugs or alcohol is prohibited. Participants should ask the Event Co-ordinator to identify designated smoking areas.

Potential Hazards

You may be exposed to the following hazards. Hazards specific to each work site will be described on site.

• Steep slopes
• Unsure footing
• Uneven bottom
• Fast moving current
• Poor visibility
• Scour holes
• Poor water quality
• Metal objects in water
• Extreme temperatures, rain, snow
• Hazardous waste such as chemicals, broken glass, syringes/needles)
• Toxic plants such as poison ivy, giant hogweed, wild parsnip
• Animals
• Insects including Lyme-carrying Blacklegged Ticks

HR Forms/Volunteers/Participant Guide November 17, 2017

April 3, 2018 – Rain in the order of 20 millimetres is forecast for today and into the night that will cause water levels throughout the Rideau valley to increase beyond levels reached after rain on Saturday.

How much levels increase will be limited by dropping temperatures and the changeover from rain to freezing rain or snow overnight and tomorrow. Peak flows from this weather are still expected to be less than average for the spring freshet. These may not be the actual freshet maximum flows.

The Long Reach of the Rideau River, between Manotick and Kemptville, could have levels over the banks as a result of the rain but access is not expected to become a problem in the small river side communities such as Hilly Lane and Cedar Beach.

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all water bodies. Banks adjacent to rivers and creeks are very slippery at this time and, when combined with current weather conditions, pose a serious hazard. Parents are encouraged to keep their children and pets away from all watercourses and off frozen water bodies, which have been weakened as a result of the warming conditions.

 RVCA will continue to monitor conditions and will issue further statements when or if there is an indication that the situation can be expected to change significantly.