Come and experience one of the oldest forms of transportation in Canada! Students will learn how to safely travel with snowshoes and, once comfortable, follow the snowshoe trail through the forest and maybe even try snowshoe games.

MISSISSIPPI-RIDEAU REGION, September 11, 2017 — Staff from the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region (MRSPR) successfully met with 61 business owners in the communities of Westport, Montague, North Grenville and Mississippi Mills this summer to discuss chemical products that could pose a risk to four municipal drinking water systems. Business owners were welcoming and helpful — allowing staff to better understand the chemicals that are being used in wellhead protection areas.

MRSPR staff completed this work on behalf of the local municipalities who are striving to meet the requirements of the Ontario Clean Water Act. These outreach projects promote the long-term protection of drinking water sources. The locally produced and supported Source Protection Plan sets out ways to ensure long-term protection of municipal drinking water sources.

“We need to be extra cautious of certain chemicals that are denser than water,” explains Brian Stratton, MRSPR Co-Manager. “If released into the environment, the chemicals can cause groundwater contamination that is very difficult and expensive to clean-up. We are happy to work with local businesses and landowners to ensure we are all being good stewards.”

MRSPR staff provided educational materials to business owners to inform them about the municipal drinking water source and how they can continue to do their part to help protect it. This work would not have been possible if it was not for the cooperative and friendly interactions with local businesses. As good stewards for the environment, local businesses are conscious of the chemicals they use and how to dispose of them. These combined efforts are an important step towards ensuring that future generations have access to safe, clean water sources.

The Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region is made up of the Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley watersheds. The Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities support the ongoing work of the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Region committee and staff.

For more information on best management practices in wellhead protection areas for your home or business visit mrsourcewater.ca.

If you are concerned about any work taking place near a lake, river, stream, floodplain, steep slope or wetland, please contact us. Send us details on the location (civic address, intersection, waterbody, lot and concession, municipality) and the type of work being done. Photos are always helpful. We can advise you if permits are required and/or in place and take appropriate steps to ensure any adverse impacts are addressed. 

To make a Section 28 application:

1. Contact the RVCA while you are in the early stages of planning your project. It will save you time and keep your schedule on track. Your first step is to determine if you require Conservation Authority approval. E-mail us at  or speak to an RVCA Resource Specialist at 613-692-3571 || 1-800-267-3504 (extension 1193 or 1132). They will confirm that you need a permit and provide you with the preliminary information you will require to submit an application.
2. Download and complete the RVCA Application for Development (includes Minimum Application Requirements). You may also contact a Resource Specialist for a paper copy or visit our office to pick up a copy.
3. Refer to the Application Fee Schedule to determine the category of works and the application type. Forward your permit application form and other required information including plans drawn to scale, a survey, elevation information, etc. Please see the RVCA's Application for Development for a complete checklist. The application fee is paid at the time of filing the application with the RVCA.

Click here for a full list of forms, fees and resources.

The RVCA is pleased to offer resources to teachers interested in promoting spring water awareness. As winter turns to spring, snow and ice begin to melt and waterways begin to fill up with cold, fast moving water. Children are often interested in exploring rushing streams and thawing ponds during the warm days of spring. However, these areas can be unsafe and it is important to teach students the dangers of these areas. Please go to the following link for more information: www.rvca.ca/outdoor-education/spring-water-awareness-program

Conservation Authorities are local watershed management agencies that deliver services and programs that protect and manage water and other natural resources. Students will learn how CAs work and the role they play in environmental protection and management. The morning consists of a PowerPoint presentation and case studies with an interpretive hike focusing on resource management in the afternoon. (Full-day Program)

The RVCA is committed to ensuring we provide a welcoming, safe, barrier-free environment for everyone. Our commitment applies to the following areas:

• Customer Service
• Recruitment and Employment with the RVCA
• Design of Public Spaces (Conservation Areas)
• Information and Communications

RVCA’s Accessibility Standards and Accessible Customer Service Policy support the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Annual Status Updates

• 2023 Annual Status Update
• 2022 Annual Status Update

Request for RVCA Documents in an Accessible Format
We will do our best to provide documents in various formats upon request. You can use our online Request for RVCA Documents in Accessible Format form or call us at 613-692-3571 or toll-free at 1-800-267-3504. 

Accessibility Feedback Form 
We value your feedback on the RVCA’s accessibility and customer service. You can provide feedback through our online Accessibility Feedback Form or call us at 613-692-3571 or toll-free at 1-800-267-3504. 

Please note: Information collected in these forms are collected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information on these forms are collected under the authority of Ontario Regulation 429/07, Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. The information will be used to process this form and will be kept on file to facilitate improvements to the RVCA's customer service policies, practices and procedures. Questions about this collection should be directed to the FOI Co-ordinator at Box 599, 3889 Rideau Valley Drive, Manotick  ON K4M1A5 or 613-692-3571.