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MAY 1, Ottawa River – Constance Bay Area — Further to the press release issued by the Ottawa River Planning Board, the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Outlook for the Lac Deschene (Constance Bay, Britannia Bay) area of the Ottawa River watershed.
Levels and flows along the Ottawa River have started to increase with the onset of the spring freshet period. Based on the current snowpack and the weather forecast, levels and flows from Arnprior to Deschenes Rapids are expected to remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with this time of year; however the normal range may be slightly exceeded. Model outputs currently indicate that levels are expected to increase of 50 to 60 cm over the next week and peak on or about May 7th, 2018. Given the size of the Ottawa River basin and forecasted rain over the next week, these predictions could change quickly and significantly.
Levels and flows along the Ottawa River have started to increase with the onset of the spring freshet period. Based on the current snowpack and the weather forecast, levels and flows are expected to remain within the normal range of fluctuations associated with this period of the year.
Residents are strongly urged to remind children of the dangers of hypothermia from cold water and playing near fast flowing rivers and creeks.
Residents in low lying areas, historically susceptible to flooding, should take the necessary precautions to protect their property, such as:
• Ensuring sump pumps are clear and in good working condition
• Removing or securing items that might float away as flows increase
This Watershed Conditions Statement is valid through May 7, 2018. Additional statements will be issued when or if conditions are expected to change significantly from this outlook.
Daily water levels and flows are available on the MVCA website at http://mvc.on.ca/water-levels/
The Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority flood forecasting and warning program monitors weather conditions, snowpack water content, estimates expected river flows and water levels and issues flood advisories or warnings as required. MVCA provides early warning and continuous monitoring to municipal and provincial emergency response personnel through a flood event.
Flood Outlook — Ottawa River – Constance Bay
Lakes in Upper Rideau Watershed Reaching Flood Level
Lakes in Upper Rideau Watershed Reaching Flood Level
More Rain Expected to Raise Water Levels Again
More Rain Expected to Raise Water Levels Again
Long Reach of Rideau River at Risk of Access Flooding
Long Reach of Rideau River at Risk of Access Flooding
More...
The Jebbs Creek Wetland Embayment Creation Project converted a small area of existing meadow habitat in the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s Perth Wildlife Reserve Conservation Area to a series of small riverine wetland embayments along the shoreline of Jebbs Creek within Tay Valley Township in Eastern Ontario.
Jebbs Creek is a tributary in the Tay River watershed, which supports a warm/cool water fishery. The purpose of the Jebbs Creek Wetland Embayment Creation Project was to create 1,600 m² of new spawning, nursery, rearing, and feeding habitat for the 20 species of fish that reside in Jebbs Creek.
The Kemptville District of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests manages the Tay River watershed for an extremely diverse fishery which includes northern pike (Esox Lucius), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) and walleye (Sander vitreus).
Northern pike is a local sport fish, well known for its large size and predatory nature. Despite its reputation as a top predator, northern pike are particularly sensitive during spawning and are often subject to high egg mortality; therefore, it is crucial to ensure that suitable spawning habitat exists to support this species. Through a multi-tier approach, the goal was to create and maintain a suitable spawning and nursery site for northern pike along Jebbs Creek, while helping to improve shoreline stability, riparian habitat and water quality. The feature also provides a small riverine wetland embayment along Jebbs Creek which will provide important habitat for breeding birds, amphibians, turtles nesting habitat with a goal to increase overall biodiversity.
2018 Construction highlights:
- 5 days of construction
- 1600 m² of fish habitat created
- 5.5 kg of shoreline and wetland seed mixes were installed around the wetland feature
- 5.0 kg of meadow seed mix installed in the fill deposition area for pollinator habitat
- 15 volunteers participated in the planting day for a total of 75 volunteer hours
- 125 native shrubs and trees planted around the new wetland feature
Jebb's Creek Plan View Habitat Structure (PDF)
Jebb's Creek Plan View Contours (PDF)
Post Construction Phase monitoring is scheduled for the spring/summer in 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2024.
Thank you to our Otty Lake Association volunteers!
Project Objectives
- Enhance fish habitat by creating new spawning, nursery, rearing and feeding habitat for the fish community of Jebbs Creek (target species northern pike)
- Improve food supply for aquatic and terrestrial species through increasing overhanging vegetation along the shoreline.
- Improving the function of adjacent wetland habitats for aquatic species
- Create a quiet backwater area adjacent to the main current of Jebbs Creek.
- Provide winter and summer refuge areas for fish.
- Protect water quality and enhance wildlife habitat by establishing a naturalized buffer with native species of trees and shrubs
- Altering elevations to create conditions more suitable for more diverse submergent and emergent aquatic vegetation
- Enhance recreational and educational opportunities at the site by installing educational signage
- Engage and educate community members by involving volunteers in the process and providing a demonstration site that shows a variety of cost-effective methods to protect and enhance shorelines and wildlife habitats.
- Partnership opportunities with various groups and the Conservation Authority.
Project Description
Project implementation was carried out by the RVCA and partners. A variety of techniques/applications were carried out, including:
- The removal of fill from the existing shoreline to create a series of small embayment’s with a variety of slope conditions
- In-water planting of aquatic sedges and grasses known to be favorable for northern pike spawning
- Installation of wood structure to further enhance nursery habitat
- Re-vegetation of the riparian area by planting native trees, shrubs and wetland vegetation
- Maintain the pathway system adjacent to the embayment feature to continue access for recreational use
- Deposit the excess fill in specified areas in the adjacent field outside of the regulatory area and seed these areas with a pollinator seed mix to support pollinator habitat
- The installation of an interpretive sign along the adjacent existing pathway, with partner logos, describing the project benefits from a watershed management perspective
Project Timeline
- (2015-2018) background data collection to inform the detailed design process
- December/January 2017/18 Refine and further develop the wetland embayment proposal
- February/March/April 2018 prepare Detailed Design (contour plan, cross section plan, landscape plan, structures plan)
- April 2018 site visit with RVCA/MNRF staff
- June 2018 review of plans for permits and tender package for potential contractors
- July/August 2018 Around the Rideau announcing the project and partners prior to construction
- September 2018 Construction of the wetland feature
- November/December 2018 Around the Rideau announcing completion of the project and showing construction and volunteer photos
- Post effectiveness monitoring 2019, 2021, 2023 (year 1,3,5)
Project Partners:
Information:
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
