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Seeking new Chair for Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee
MISSISSIPPI AND RIDEAU WATERSHEDS, September 22, 2022 — The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks is seeking a dedicated new Chairperson to lead the Mississippi-Rideau Source Protection Committee.
Under the Clean Water Act of 2006, 19 local watershed-based source protection committees have been established across the province. These committees include representatives from local watershed stakeholders such as municipalities, agricultural groups, landowners, industry, environmental organizations and the public at large. As outlined in the legislation, the Minister is responsible for appointing a Chair to each of these committees.
Each committee, under the leadership and guidance of their Chair, is responsible for upholding and implementing the source protection plans that have been developed to protect municipal drinking water systems across Ontario, as well as their terms of reference and assessment reports. Chairs play an important role in guiding their committees in reporting on implementation of these plans and ensuring they remain relevant through future updates.
“If you have leadership experience and an interest in protecting drinking water sources, we encourage you to apply,” said Marika Livingston, Mississippi-Rideau Source Water Protection Project Manager. “We are proud of the work that has been done to ensure our region has a strong safety net to protect our drinking water, but there is more work to be done. We need a leader willing to guide and support our committee as we work though some major program updates and changes.”
Among other qualifications, the Chair position requires a multi-year commitment, an ability to understand scientific and technical reports and attendance at the several Source Protection Committee meetings held each year. Applicants must also live or work in the Mississippi or Rideau watersheds.
Further details regarding this part-time position, including descriptions of roles and responsibilities and an application form, are available online at https://www.pas.gov.on.ca/Home/Advertisement/750. A small per diem as well as expenses (mileage and meals) will be paid while working on Source Protection business.
Applications will be accepted until October 3, 2022.
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Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Source Protection Authorities
Marika Livingston, Project Manager
3889 Rideau Valley Drive, PO Box 599
Manotick ON K4M 1A5
613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1148
Fall in love with Fall at Foley Mountain
WESTPORT, Sept. 20, 2022 – Cooler nights and shorter days are once again painting our forests the vibrant reds and golds that can only mean one thing: Fall has arrived.
And what better place to embrace your autumnal awe than at Foley Mountain Conservation Area in Westport? With stunning views from Spy Rock Lookout as well as 10 kilometres of trails through forests and wetlands, visitors have endless opportunities to immerse themselves in the season’s wonder.
But as the park’s busiest season ramps up, visitors are wise to plan ahead. To avoid big crowds and make the most of your trip, consider:
- Choosing an off-peak time, like weekdays or early mornings
- Parking further down the park road and hiking back to Spy Rock. The colours are worth it!
- Bringing change for the parking machine, or purchasing ahead with code 5204 on paybyphone.com
- Planning to spend the day and explore the entire park – even some of the more remote trails.
“This is such a spectacular time of year to be outdoors, especially in a forest like ours,” said Foley Mountain site supervisor Rebecca Whitman. “We are thrilled to see a renewed interest in getting outside and embracing nature, but it does mean visitors need to be more prepared during busy times of the year.”
Whitman recommended trying trails beyond the Spy Rock lookout to get your fall colour fix. The Orange Maple Trail, for example, starts at the interpretive centre and offers a spectacular show in the fall with its many towering maple, ash and poplar trees along its 2.3 km loop. Hikers can even follow it back to Spy Rock for a peek at the views before they head home.
The White Pine Trail is a great option for hikers looking for more of a challenge. Parking at the group camping site, they can connect to White Pine using the Blue Trail. From there, they’ll find towering white pines and stunted oak trees high on the ridge, mixed with excellent fall foliage as they pick their way back down the mountain.
"It's a beautiful part of the park to go into," said Whitman.
Foley's colours usually peak around Thanksgiving, give or take a week. Please bring a mask for crowded areas and follow all directional signage on the trails. If you are feeling ill or have been told to isolate, please stay home.
For more information about visiting Foley Mountain in the fall visit www.rvca.ca/foley-fall-colours or email . You can also follow us on Facebook at @FoleyMountain or @RideauValleyConservationAuthority. You can also follow @RideauValleyCA on Twitter and Instagram.
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Van Gaal Drain Hazard Land and Regulations Mapping Update - Public Consultation and Open House
OTTAWA, September 14, 2022 – The RVCA is concluding work updating floodplain mapping along the realigned portion of the Van Gaal Drain in the Village of Richmond.
Members of the public are invited to review the draft regulation and hazard maps during the public consultation period between September 12 to October 14, 2022. Draft mapping is available online at www.rvca.ca/vangaal and members of the public can connect with an RVCA Resource Specialist to understand how the mapping may affect their property. RVCA Resource Specialists can be reached by email () or phone (613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193).
A public open house will also take place on October 5, 2022 from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Richmond Memorial Community Centre (6095 Perth Street, Richmond).
The new mapping shows areas that are subject to natural hazards such as flooding and unstable slopes. The mapping will be used by the City of Ottawa when updating its Official Plans 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 RVCA’s Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.
The goal of this mapping is to help ensure that sound planning decisions are made — keeping people and property safe.
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Van Gaal Drain Hazard Mapping Update
Project Status: Active
Posted: September 12, 2022The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, has recently embarked on a hazard mapping update for the realigned Van Gaal Drain in the Village of Richmond. This mapping identifies changes to flood prone areas and where new development is to be allowed, restricted or prohibited in accordance with provincial and municipal planning policies.
These maps have been traditionally known as “floodplain mapping” or “regulation mapping” and they show areas that are prone to natural hazards such as flooding, erosion and natural environment features such as wetlands.
Mapping and regulating natural hazard areas ensure safe and sustainable development. Development projects within these areas must obtain permission from the Conservation Authority before proceeding (Ontario Regulation 174/06, Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alteration to Shorelines and Watercourses). When completed, the mapping will also 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.
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) invites you to participate in the public consultation process regarding this mapping update from September 12 to October 14, 2022.
You can participate by viewing draft maps online (see links below) and by contacting an RVCA Resource Specialist (phone 613-692-3571, toll-free at 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193, email . You can also join us at our public open house.
Van Gaal Drain Hazard Land and Regulations Mapping Open House
Richmond Memorial Community Centre (Seniors’ Room)
6095 Perth Street, Richmond
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
4:30 to 8 p.m.
This consultation period and open house offer the opportunity for RVCA staff to respond to any questions that you may have regarding the mapping and collect your input about local conditions.
Draft Map
Interactive Map - Click here to view the interactive map full screen
The interactive map allows you to zoom in to a specific property and get very specific digital informaiton. Need help? Have questions? Call a Resource Specialist at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193 or email us at .
Need help? Have questions? Call a Resource Specialist at 613-692-3571 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1132 or 1193 or email us at .
Technical Report
Download J.F. Sabourin and Associates Inc. report:
Richmond Village Development / Proposed Realignment of Van Gaal Drain
EOconservation
Your Eastern Ontario conservation authorities were thrilled to be back at the Plowing Match to showcase the many ways we help communities protect their natural resources while steering clear of natural hazards. On this page you’ll find links to your local conservation authority, which will take you to information about stewardship grants, planning and regulations, conservation areas and more. Below, you’ll also find some key digital resources to help you implement best practices on your own property.
Not from Eastern Ontario? Click here to search with your postal code.
How to Submit Digital Paperwork
How to submit digital paperwork:
- Access all forms and fee information by clicking here.
- Be sure that the application is in PDF format (including photos).
- Consider using apps such as Turbo Scan that convert jpeg photos into PDF documents.
- Upgrading software on office desktop to Adobe Pro to be able to edit PDF documents.
2. Electronic files that accompany the email request/instruction must be applied as an ATTACHMENT.
3. Email your application to the intake email address identified by your municipality listed here.
4. Watch for payment details. Directions on how to make payment will be sent to your inbox. Please note, payments must be received to activate the permitting process.
How to Report a Complaint
When reporting a failing system or other occurrences please contact your local conservation authority. You will need to provide the following information upon calling our office for the property in question:
- Name of Property Owner
- Civic Address (Ex. 3889 Rideau Valley Dr.)
- Municipality
- Complaint (e.g., I can see sewage pooling on my neighbors’ septic bed)
- Are you a neighbour, councillor, or installer? From the Health Unit, By-Law Office or Building Inspector?
Please note all reports are kept confidential
If you would like to receive a response from us ensure you leave contact information otherwise we will treat this as an anonymous report.
Septic FAQ and Resources