News from: March 2019

April 29, 2019 — Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and South Nation Conservation (SNC) is maintaining the FLOOD WARNING issued on April 19, 2019 for the areas under our jurisdiction along the Ottawa River.

The most recent model outputs from the Ottawa River Regulation Committee (ORRC) indicate that runoff from snowmelt and precipitation is decreasing from Mattawa to Lac Coulonge with levels stabilizing in Mattawa and Pembroke.

The Lower Ottawa River water levels are increasing due to upstream spring runoff caused by rainfall, saturated soil and snowmelt over the central part of the basin. Runoff from ongoing snowmelt and recent rainfall has swollen most of its tributaries.

Rainfall amounts of 20 – 40 mm are forecast for Wednesday and into Thursday. An additional 10 – 20 mm of rain is possible Friday.

All flood-prone areas along the Ottawa River from Lac Coulonge down to the Montreal Archipelago are at risk.

Peak water levels across many areas of the Ottawa River will exceed those experienced in May 2017 over the next couple of days. Levels are forecasted to peak between Tuesday and Wednesday; however, water levels will remain high. Risk is highly dependent on the amount of precipitation that is received.

MVCA areas of concern: 

Water levels in the Constance Bay area have exceeded those levels reached in May 2017. The ORRC currently forecasts water levels to rise an additional 0.30 m to 0.50 m above the 2017 levels. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

RVCA areas of concern:

Water levels in the Britannia area (Grandview Road, Britannia Village, and the Belltown Community) have exceeded those levels reached in May 2017. The ORRC currently forecasts water levels to rise an additional 0.30 m to 0.50 m above the 2017 levels. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

Water levels east of Cumberland Village (Boise Village, Morin Road, Leo Lane) are slightly below those levels reached in May 2017. The ORRC currently forecasts water levels to rise an additional 0.20 m to 0.40 m above the 2017 levels. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

SNC areas of concern:

Water levels in the Clarence-Rockland and Alfred-Plantagenet area have risen 0.12 m over the last 48 hours and are near the levels observed during the May 2017 flood. The ORRC currently forecasts that water levels are projected to rise an additional 0.05 m to 0.25 m above the May 2017 levels over the next two days.

Due to the forecast uncertainty it is difficult to accurately predict how quickly water levels will rise and when river conditions may peak.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and to take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children.

This FLOOD WARNING is in effect until Wednesday, May 1, 2019.

RVCA and its Ottawa partners, MVCA and SNC monitor the water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecast.php.

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.

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"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.

April 29, 2019 - Unlike the Ottawa River Watershed which is currently experiencing historic high water conditions, the water levels and flows in the Rideau Valley Watershed are declining and approaching seasonal levels in all waterways except for Bobs Lake and Christie Lake.

The current forecast indicates between 35 mm and 50 mm of rain could fall later this week.  This rainfall will have limited impact within the watershed except for Bobs Lake and Christie Lake where levels will likely increase.  Parks Canada staff are closely monitoring the water levels in these lakes, and operations at the Bolingbroke Dam will take place as required, to balance the levels in Bobs Lake and Christie Lake. 

Based on the above, the FLOOD WATCH is being maintained for properties around Bob’s Lake and Christie Lake.

Extreme caution should be exercised by everyone when near local waterbodies. Parents should inform their children of the risks and provide appropriate supervision.

Residents in flood prone or low-lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should continue to take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:

- Ensuring sump pump is clear, in good working condition and has a backwater valve
- Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
- Securing items that might float away as flows increase
- Removing valuable items from basements or lower floors that could be subject to flooding
- Keeping emergency phone numbers handy
- Familiarizing yourself with your municipality’s Emergency Preparedness Plan

This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Monday May 6, 2019 and will be updated at that time unless the forecast or conditions change.

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More Information:
Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
 or cell 613-799-9423

Media Enquiries:
Diane Downey, RVCA Director of Communications and Outreach
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-3571, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1126
 or cell 613-698-9453

"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.

April 27, 2019 — Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and South Nation Conservation (SNC) is maintaining the FLOOD WARNING issued on April 19, 2019 for the areas under our jurisdiction along the Ottawa River.

The most recent model outputs from the Ottawa River Regulation Committee (ORRC) indicate that the previous estimates for peak levels remain unchanged at this time.

All flood-prone areas along the Ottawa River from Lac Coulonge down to the Montreal Archipelago are at risk. Peak water levels across many areas of the Ottawa River will exceed those experienced in May 2017.

MVCA areas of concern: 

• Water levels in the Constance Bay area have risen approximately 0.25 m over the last 48 hours and are currently near those levels reached in May 2017. The ORRC currently forecasts water levels to rise an additional 0.40 m to 0.60 m above the 2017 levels, projected to peak April 30. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

RVCA areas of concern:

• Water levels in the Britannia area (Grandview Road, Britannia Village, and the Belltown Community) have risen approximately 0.25 m over the last 48 hours and are currently near those levels reached in May 2017. The ORRC currently forecasts water levels to rise an additional 0.40 m to 0.60 m above the 2017 levels, projected to peak April 30. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

• Water levels east of Cumberland Village (Boise Village, Morin Road, Leo Lane) have risen approximately 0.35 m over the last 48 hours and are currently just below those levels reached in May 2017. The ORRC currently forecasts water levels to rise an additional 0.40 m to 0.60 m above the 2017 levels, projected to peak April 30. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

SNC areas of concern:

• Water levels in the Clarence-Rockland and Alfred-Plantagenet area have risen 0.35 m over the last 48 hours and are near the levels observed during the May 2017 flood. Based on the most recent model outputs from the ORRC, water levels are projected to rise an additional 0.40 m to 0.50 m above the May 2017 elevation over the next three days. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.
• The ORRC is also forecasting water levels in the Hawkesbury area to rise another 0.30m above the May 2017 elevations over the next three days.

Due to the forecast uncertainty it is difficult to accurately predict how quickly water levels will rise and when river conditions may peak.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and to take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children.

This FLOOD WARNING is in effect until Monday, April 29, 2019.

RVCA and its Ottawa partners, MVCA and SNC monitor the water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecast.php.

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.

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"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.

April 25, 2019 — Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), in conjunction with the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) and South Nation Conservation (SNC) is maintaining the FLOOD WARNING issued on April 19, 2019 for the areas under our jurisdiction along the Ottawa River.

Significant rainfall has fallen over the Ottawa River basin since Thursday, April 18, 2019. There is additional rainfall amounts of 25 to 50 mm forecast over the next 24 to 36 hours.

All flood-prone areas along the Ottawa River from Lac Coulonge down to the Montreal Archipelago are at risk. Peak water levels across many areas of the Ottawa River are expected to be above those experienced in May 2017.

MVCA area of concern: 

• The Ottawa River Regulation Committee (ORRC) currently forecasts water levels in the Constance Bay area to rise an additional 0.80 m to 1 m above the current elevation over the next three days. Levels are currently forecast to exceed those experienced at the height of the May 2017 flood by approximately 0.50 to 0.70 m. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

RVCA areas of concern:

• Based on the most recent model outputs from the Ottawa River Regulation Committee (ORRC) and rainfall in the forecast, water levels in the Britannia area (Grandview Road and the Belltown Community) are projected to rise an additional 0.80 m to 1 m, above the current elevation over the next three days. Levels are currently forecast to exceed those experienced at the height of the May 2017 flood by approximately 0.50 m to 0.70 m. Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.
• Based on the most recent model outputs from the Ottawa River Regulation Committee (ORRC) and rainfall in the forecast, water levels east of Cumberland Village (Boise Village, Morin Road, Leo Lane) are projected to rise an additional 0.80 m to 1 m above the current elevation over the next four days.  Levels are currently forecast to exceed those experienced at the height of the May 2017 flood by approximately 0.20 m to 0.40 m.  Updates to this projection will be provided as they become available.

SNC areas of concern:

• Based on the most recent model outputs from the ORRC, water levels in the Clarence-Rockland and Alfred-Plantagenet area are expected to exceed the May 2017 flood. Water levels are projected to rise an additional 0.40 m to 0.60 m above the current elevation over the next three days.

Due to the forecast uncertainty it is difficult to accurately predict how quickly water levels will rise and when river conditions may peak.

Residents in flood-prone areas are encouraged to closely follow evolving conditions and to take necessary measures. Residents are advised to stay away from watercourses where flows are high and where banks might be unstable. Parents are encouraged to explain dangers to children.

This FLOOD WARNING is in effect until Saturday, April 27, 2019.

RVCA and its Ottawa partners, MVCA and SNC monitor the water levels and weather forecasts with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry as part of the Flood Forecasting and Warning Program. Updates are provided as conditions change.

The Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board will be reassessing forecast conditions and providing hydrological condition updates on its website daily at www.ottawariver.ca/forecast.php.

To view current flood warnings across Ontario, visit https://www.ontario.ca/law-and-safety/flood-forecasting-and-warning-program.

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"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.

APRIL 25, 2019 - You probably know that bees and butterflies need our help – but do you know how easy it is?

Helping backyard pollinators can be as simple as planting a packet of native wildflower seeds in your backyard or on your balcony.

“That’s going to attract the pollinators, and once they pollinate the plants you’ll have more flowers,” said Amanda Lange, a resource technician with the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA). “That in turn attracts more pollinators.”

Before you know it, you’ll have a backyard buzzing with activity and life.

Bees are the best-known pollinators, but they have lots of company. Native wildflowers – species that naturally occur in the region – attract flies, beetles, moths, butterflies and even some birds who all feed on the nectar of flowering plants, and in return help the plants reproduce. Without the right flowers to feed from, pollinators can quickly disappear. And without pollinators, the plants and crops that rely on them can also start to suffer.

“It’s a cycle. Everything’s connected,” Lange said.

Lange will represent the RVCA at the City of Ottawa’s Wildlife Speaker Series on April 26, which this spring will focus on the “secret superheroes” we rely on to pollinate not just our gardens but also important food crops and wild areas.

The event includes an hour-long vendor expo, where the RVCA and other environmental organizations will promote their stewardship and conservation programs. Afterward, two speakers will take the stage to discuss the important role pollinators play in our lives. Dr. Jessica Forrest, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Ottawa, will discuss her research on the effects of climate change on pollination, the role of wild bees in crop pollination and the natural history of pollination. Dr. Jeff Skevington is a Research Scientist and the Head of Diptera (flies) at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian National Collection of Insects in Ottawa. He will unofficially launch his new book, a ‘Field Guide to the Flower Flies (Hover Flies) of Northeastern North America’ at the event.

The free event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place at 101 Centrepoint Drive in Nepean.

How RVCA supports pollinators:

• Shoreline Naturalization Program replaces invasive species with native plants, and offers wildflower seeds and bee boxes for participants

• The “pollinator meadow” at Perth Wildlife Reserve Conservation Area buzzes with life every spring and summer

• City Stream Watch program in Ottawa removes invasive species to allow native plants to re-establish

• Wetland conservation projects involve planting native seed mixes that support pollinators. 

For more information about RVCA’s programs and initiatives, visit www.rvca.ca. For more information about the city’s Wildlife Speaker Series visit tinyurl.com/wildlife-speaker-series.

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