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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
Lake Planning Program
NEW! Lake Protection Workbook —A Self-Assessment Tool for Shoreline Property Owners
Learn all about the important functions of your shoreline property. Score yourself and learn about how you can make improvements that benefit your lake, river or stream.
This Workbook was produced by the Lake Links Planning Committee with collaboration and review from: Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority, Friends of the Tay Watershed Association, Lake Networking Group, Lanark County Stewardship Council, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and Watersheds Canada.
Printing funded by Watersheds Canada and the Daniel and Susan Gottlieb Foundation.
Digital downloads are free (8.6 MB). Printed copies are $1.50. Contact for more details.
Background
From 2005 to 2008, the Lake Management Planning Program provided information and guidance to lake groups within the Tay Valley Township and the Tay River Watershed interested in developing lake plans. The program was organized by the Friends of the Tay Watershed, Lanark County Stewardship Council, Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority, Otty Lake Association, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, and the Tay Valley Township.
The Lake Management Planning Program provided:
- Information packages on the benefits and process of lake planning;
- Workshops aimed at sharing information about lake issues;
- Support and assistance in the development of State of the Lake Reports and Lake Plans;
- A comprehensive website offering helpful lake planning resources and templates
2009 Onward . . .
Although the funding for this very successful program has come to an end, the partners remain committed to lake planning and continued support for the development of lake plans to protect the health of local lakes and their watersheds. For more information, resources and assistance contact meaghan.mcdonald@rvca.
Helpful Links
- Lake Planning Handbook for Community Groups
- North American Lake Management Society
- A Citizen’s Guide to Lake Protection
- Guide to Lake Protection and Management
- Landowner Resource Centre
- Example Lake Plans and State of Lake Reports are available by request.
Lake Links Workshops
Since 2002, the Lake Links Workshop has been an annual opportunity for representatives of lake associations and other volunteer stewardship groups in Eastern Ontario to come together with government and non-government agencies to listen to speakers, share information, and address common lake and river issues that matter most to Eastern Ontario communities. The workshop has become an important networking opportunity for these groups and has fostered excellent partnerships, communication and collaboration with regional government and non-government organizations.
For more information on the Lake Links Workshop, visit Watersheds Canada.
More Resources
“Minor” Low Water Condition in Rideau River Watershed
“Minor” Low Water Condition in Rideau River Watershed
The Baitfish Primer
A guide to identifying and protecting Ontario's baitfish. Produced by Fisheries and Oceans Canada
RVCA Celebrates Six Million Trees Planted
The Rideau Valley Rural Clean Water Program (RVRCWP) offers grants and technical assistance program for on-farm and rural projects that protect water quality in the Rideau River watershed outside the City of Ottawa (see map). We work in partnership with individual landowners to help protect the land and water we all rely on.
The RVRCWP is guided by a Steering Committee made up of local citizens drawn from farm organizations, environmental interest groups as well as all levels of government with a direct link to the water environment.
Projects completed create a win-win situation all around. The landowner gets a helping hand with the financing of conservation work, the program sponsors get the pleasure of giving back to their community, and our children and grandchildren get to enjoy a clean healthy Rideau River as our legacy to them all.
Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects completed prior to contacting RVCA will not be eligible for funding.
Eligible Landowners
- Farmers who have completed a 3rd edition or newer Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
- Rural non-farmers who have completed a Healthy Home Guide, may be eligible for funding
- The Healthy Home Guide will be provided uring site visits
Applicants must:
- Apply prior to starting work on your project
- Obtain all necessary permits, approvals, and meet all legal requirements
- Complete a 3rd or 4th Edition Environmental Farm Plan (farm projects), or Healthy Home Guidebook (non-farm projects).
What is generally eligible for funding?
- Permit / approval costs
- Purchased materials and supplies
- Contract labour and professional fees
If you are interested in applying for a grant, please contact the RVCA AT 613-692-3571 ext. 1136 to register your information and confirm eligibility
Download your application form here.
Do you have more questions about the RVRCWP?: Click here to view our FAQs (frequently asked questions).
RVRCWP Eligible Project Categories
| Eligible Projects/ Click here to view project details, download RVRCWP brochure | Maximum Grant % | Maximum Grant $ |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Water Diversion* | 50% | $5,000 |
| Surface/Wastewater Treatment/Management* | 50% | $5,000 |
| Livestock Restriction from Water–Livestock Crossing, Alternate Watering, Fencing* | 90% | $7,500 |
| Pesticide/Chemical/Fertilizer/Fuel Storage and Handling Facility* | 50% | $1,000 |
| Nutrient Management Plans/Precision Farming* | 50% | $1,000 |
| Manure Storage/Treatment* | 50% | $15,000 |
| Controlled Tile Drainage* | 80% | $1,000 |
| Erosion Control - Field and Tile Outlet* | 90% | $3,500 |
| Cover Crops* | $50/Acre | $1,000 |
| Land Retirement* | $150/Acre | $1,500/Year |
| Erosion Control - Shoreline | 90% | $3,500 |
| Buffers | 90% | $7,500 |
| Windbreaks | 75% | $6,000 |
| Forest & Wetland Management Plans | 75% | $750 |
| Private Sewage System Repair | 50% | $1,000 |
| Well Upgrade | 50% | $500 |
| Well Decommissioning | 90% | $1,000 |
| Well Replacement | 50% | $2,000 |
| Education Initiative | 75% | $1,000 |
| Innovative Projects | 50% | $5,000 |
*Available only to farmers with an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
Please note: program grant rates may change without notice or be adjusted by the Review Committee.
BEFORE YOU COMPLETE YOUR PROJECT, contact RVCA for program information.
- Submit completed application to:
Rural Clean Water Program,
Box 599, 3889 Rideau Valley Dr.,
Manotick, ON K4M 1A5 or - Be sure to attach your estimates/quotes and any necessary permits
- A site representative will visit your property
- Project is reviewed by our Review Committee
- Project proceeds if approved
- Payment issued upon completion of work, inspection by site representative and submission of all permits, approvals and proof of payment
Download your application form here
Additional Links
Foley Mountain Forest School (Westport, ON)
Winter Forest School Registration open now
Foley Mountain Forest School offers an alternative education in which children spend most of their time outside, playing and learning through experiential, hands-on activities that promote curiosity in an active and authentic learning environment. Students will receive the benefits of repeated and regular visits to a natural area, in a play and inquiry-based education setting.
Tuition subsidies for the forest school program may be available for those who qualify. Please contact for more details.
Location: Foley Mountain Lane, Westport, ON — Google map
Programs that we offer:
- Family Forest School
- Kindergarten for children aged 4-5
- School age for children aged 6-12
- Family drop-in programs for all ages
PLEASE NOTE — We will consider offering additional program days if there is demand!
PLEASE READ our Forest School Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
NEW PROGRAM – Family Forest School
Is your child a bit too young to join in our independent programs or are you just looking to be a part of their forest school experience? Well, this new program may be the perfect fit for you!
- The same play based, child centred learning environment as our other forest school programs. Enjoy play, stories, snack time, forest adventures, and more!
- A new forest school program for children aged 2-5 (younger or slightly older siblings are welcome to tag along) where a parent or guardian stays with the child during the program.
- Tuesdays from 9:30am – 11:30am offered in the same fall, winter, and spring sessions as our other programs. Registration is for the whole session.
- Supported by one of our skilled and experienced forest school educators.
- Cost per child is $18/morning.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Tuesdays Registration open now |
Sept 10 – Nov 26, 2024/9:30am – 11:30am | $360 |
| Winter 2025 – Tuesdays Registration open now |
Jan 14 – March, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $240 |
| Spring 2025 – Tuesdays | March 25 - June 10, 4/9:30am – 11:30am | $360 |
Plus any applicable taxes.
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Kindergarten Program
- Children ages 4-5 years
- Program runs from 9am – 12pm
- Cost per child is $30/morning.
- Participants must be able to use the toilet independently
- Please check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.
| Program | Date/Time | Cost |
| Fall 2024 – Wednesdays REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 11 – Nov 27, 2024/9am – 12pm | $360 |
| Winter 2025 - Wednesdays REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Jan 15 – March 5/9am – 12pm | $240 |
| Spring 2025 - Wednesdays | March 26 – June 11/9am-12pm | $360 |
Plus any applicable taxes.
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
School Age Program
- For children aged 6–12
- Cost per child is $55/full day or $30/half day.
|
Program Session |
Date/Time |
Cost |
| Fall 2024 - Mondays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 9 - Nov. 25, 2024/9am - 3pm, no class Oct 14 | $605 |
| Fall 2024 - Mondays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 9 - Nov. 25, 2024/9am - 12pm, no class Oct 14 | $363 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 3pm | $660 |
| Fall 2024 - Thursdays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Sept 12 - Nov 28, 2023/9am - 12pm | $360 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 3pm | $440 |
| Winter 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! |
Jan 16 – Mar 6, 2025/9am - 12pm | $240 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Full Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 3pm | $660 |
| Spring 2025 – Thursdays, Half Day | March 27 – June 12, 2025/9am - 12pm | $360 |
Plus any applicable taxes.
To Register
Please complete the registration request form to be added to our registration list. Upon completion of the form, we will send you a registration package, including the program handbook and other necessary documents. PLEASE NOTE that filling out this form does not necessarily guarantee a space in the program but begins the registration process.
Forest School FREE Family Drop In Programs
Pack up the family and head down to Foley Mountain Conservation Area to explore, adventure, play, and learn in the forest! Thanks to the Township of Rideau Lakes, we are offering FREE family drop-in program.
2024 Drop In Programs
- April 20, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- May 18, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- June 15, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- July 20, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- August 17, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- September 21, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- October 19, from 10-11:30 am Waitlist Only
- November 16, from 10-11:30 am
- December 21, from 10-11:30 am
General Information:
- All ages of children welcome, children must be accompanied by an adult
- PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED and group size will be limited - please complete the registration request form to pre-register or be added to the waitlist.
- FREE of cost
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More...
RVCA Plants 275,000 This Spring!
Baxter Pond Restoration Celebrated
Project Status: Complete
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed a hazard mapping study for Nichols Creek from the Montague Boundary Road to the Jock River.
These maps are typically known as “floodplain mapping” and they show areas that are prone to natural hazards such as flooding, erosion and natural environment features such as wetlands.
When completed, the mapping will be used by the City of Ottawa when updating their Official Plan and Zoning Schedules and in the review of development applications under the Planning Act. RVCA will also use the mapping to guide the review of development applications submitted under the Province’s Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend our open house (date to be announced) and/or provide comments on the mapping below. Conservation Authority staff welcome historical records of past flood events, news clippings, photographs and even anecdotal stories to help confirm the reasonableness of calculations and resulting hazard mapping. For those unable to attend the open house, comments can be sent to Ferdous Ahmed, RVCA Senior Water Resources Engineer at .
These mapping studies are being completed as part of the City of Ottawa Hazard Mapping Project.
These studies are being done through a collaboration — known as the City of Ottawa Hazard Mapping Project — involving the City of Ottawa and the Mississippi Valley, Rideau Valley and South Nation Conservation Authorities. The City recognized a need to update its zoning schedules based on up-to-date flood risk mapping and has provided contributions enabling the Conservation Authorities to move ahead with these studies sooner than would otherwise be possible. The RVCA is currently working on several studies in the Ottawa area. Get more details on RVCA ongoing Flood Risk/Hazard Mapping Studies here.
