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Special Projects

Special Projects (23)

September 07, 2022

Van Gaal Drain Hazard Mapping Update

Super User

Project Status: Active

Posted: September 12, 2022

OpenHouseMapVanGaal.jpgThe 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.

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    July 14, 2022

    Sustainable Drainage Pilot Project (Portland)

    Super User

    IMG 7416Township of Rideau Lakes drainage manager Dan Chant joined RVCA intern Caitlin Sommer in Portland this July to paint yellow fish on several storm drains. These fish will remind residents that stormwater goes directly to the lake.The Township of Rideau Lakes has generously funded a pilot partnership with Big Rideau Lake Association, Cataraqui Region Conservation Authority and Rideau Valley Conservation Authority to work co-operatively on a sustainable drainage pilot project in the village of Portland and the surrounding rural catchment area.

    As climate change contributes to more frequent and extreme rain events, excess nutrients, sediments, harmful chemicals and pollutants are increasingly washed into Big Rideau Lake through our storm drainage systems. This contributes to increased aquatic weed growth, more toxic algae blooms and an overall decline in lake health and enjoyment. 

    In summer 2022, staff from RVCA as well as volunteers from the Big Rideau Lake Association conducted a sampling and monitoring program, targeting an urban drain in the village as well as a rural drain (non-agricultural) outside the village. Research was conducted to find and recommend sustainable drainage practices that are best suited to protect water quality and lake health. 

    Read the Monitoring Report/Summary.

    Read the final Recommendations Report.

    Read the Literature Review.

    Resources:

    Reducing your runoff can also begin at home – and can be as easy as installing a rain barrel. To learn more about how you can reduce stormwater runoff on your own property, check out the resources below.

    VIDEO: Learn how to build a low-cost, low-maintenance rain garden on your property: https://youtu.be/dvgJXlul9Bk

    VIDEO: Learn how the RVCA’s Shoreline Naturalization Program offers technical and financial support for waterfront owners to naturally reduce their runoff: https://youtu.be/j2WEnMfRZTo

    BLOG: Learn all the simple, cost-effective ways you can reduce runoff on your own property: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/soak-up-the-summer-storms-reducing-your-runoff-in-the-big-city

    BLOG: Learn more about the RVCA’s Clean Water Grants program that supports sustainable drainage and other projects for rural residents: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/grant-program-makes-clean-water-projects-affordable

    INTERACTIVE: Scroll over the pins to learn how you can keep contaminants out of your storm drain: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/reducing-runoff-which-side-are-you-on

    INTERACTIVE: Check out this interactive graphic for sustainable drainage practices on waterfront properties: https://www.rvca.ca/view-all-blog-posts/waterfront-living-which-side-are-you-on

    WEBPAGE: Learn more about how to naturalize your shoreline (whether it’s a ditch, stream, river or lake!): https://www.rvca.ca/stewardship-grants/shoreline-naturalization/how-to-naturalize-your-shoreline

    Benefits of sustainable drainage:

    • Reduced algae blooms and excessive weed growth in our lakes and rivers
    • Improved water quality for local ecosystems
    • Better water quality for local tourist industries including recreational fishing and seasonal rentals
    • Safer drinking water for residents with surface water intakes
    • Improved knowledge of sustainable drainage best practices can be applied across the watershed 

    More Information:

    Michael Yee
    Planner, RVCA 

    613-692-3571 ext. 1176 

    Haley Matschke
    Acting Surface Water Quality Co-ordinator

    613-692-3571 ext 1156

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    May 31, 2022

    Mosquito Creek Hazard Mapping Study

    Super User

    Project Status: Complete

    OpenHouseMapMosquitoThe Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed a hazard mapping study for Mosquito Creek from Mitch Owens Road to the Rideau River in the City of Ottawa.

    Much of the area has been regulated since 2017 with the completion of the report entitled: Rideau River Flood Risk Mapping from Hogs Back to Kars, July 2017. This 2017 mapping captured Mosquito Creek from the Rideau River to Limebank Road. This new study extends to Mitch Owens and will update previous mapping. 

    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. 

    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 Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

    Members of the public are invited to share information and review the draft regulation and hazard maps (available below) during the public consultation period which will run until July 29, 2022. We also welcome you to see the draft hazard and regulations maps at the public open house.

    Mosquito Creek Hazard Land and Regulations Mapping Open House
    Rideauview Community Centre
    4310 Shoreline Drive, Ottawa
    Tuesday, June 28, 2022
    4:30 to 8:00 p.m.

    You can also book individual or small group meetings on-line or in person to review mapping and discuss potential impacts and concerns by contacting an RVCA Resource at 613-692-3571, toll-free at 1-800-267-3504 or by email at  or complete an online property inquiry form.

    This study is just one of several ongoing hazard mapping studies taking place in the watershed. For a complete list on ongoing work, click here. 

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      November 22, 2021

      Stevens Creek Hazard Mapping Study

      Super User

      Project Status: Active

      Web update: May 5, 2022

      The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed a hazard mapping study for Stevens Creek from Malakoff Road to the Rideau River in the City of Ottawa.

      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. 

      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 Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

      Public consultation on the draft hazard mapping study for Stevens Creek from Malakoff Road to the Rideau River will continue until April 29, 2022. Virtual public consultation began late November 2021. Affected landowners were notified by mail and staff have been responding to inquiries by telephone calls, e-mail, virtual meetings, small group in-person meetings and site visits. In some cases the draft mapping has been refined based on site-specific information.

      With the recent easing of provincial COVID-19 restrictions, the RVCA is now able to host an in-person presentation and question and answer session to provide an additional opportunity for public consultation.

      Thursday, April 21, 2022
      Alfred Taylor Recreation Centre
      2300 Community Way, North Gower
      Doors Open at 6:00 p.m.
      Presentation begins at 6:15 p.m.
       Question & Answer Period to follow

      Anyone unable to attend can contact an RVCA Resource at 613-692-3571, toll-free at 1-800-267-3504 or by email at . 

      This study is just one of several ongoing hazard mapping studies taking place in the watershed. For a complete list on ongoing work, click here.

       

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        November 03, 2021

        Upper Jock River Hazard Mapping Study

        Super User

        Project Status: Complete

        The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed a hazard mapping study for the Jock River between Ashton Station Road and approximately the south limit of the community of Franktown. This section of the Jock River is being hazard mapped for the first time; however, both the Goodwood Marsh and Franktown Swamp (both Provincially Significant Wetlands and both within the study limits) have been regulated since 2006.

        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. 

        When completed, the mapping will be used by Beckwith Township 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 Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

        Due to Covid 19, we are not holding an in-person public open house. Instead, we invite you to contact an RVCA Resource Specialists at 613-692-3571 (toll-free 1-800-267-3504) extension 1193 or 1132 or . If you prefer, we can book individual or small group meetings on-line or in person to discuss local impacts and concerns. This is also an opportunity to learn how flood risks and slope stability hazards may affect shoreline management and/or development in Beckwith Township. Authority staff welcome historical records of past flood events, slope failure, erosion, news clippings, photographs and even anecdotal stories to help confirm the reasonableness of calculations and resulting hazard mapping.

        This study is just one of several ongoing hazard mapping studies taking place in the watershed. For a complete list on ongoing work, click here.

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          November 19, 2019

          Stillwater Creek Stabilization Project

          Super User

          Stillwater Creek Slope Stabilization Project

          RVCA was contracted by the City of Ottawa to design and implement remediation of an eroded bank of Stillwater Creek adjacent to Nautica Private and Carling Avenue and into the Ottawa River. Erosion of the slope is being caused by fluctuating flow and velocity in the creek and this project will help prevent potential slope failure.

          Erosion 1 copy   Erosion 2
          East Bank Erosion    East Bank Erosion 

          The headwaters of Stillwater Creek begin in the National Capital Commission’s Stoney Swamp. Stoney Swamp is almost 2000 hectares in size, and is a mix of woodland, wetland and regenerating fields. From Stoney Swamp, Stillwater Creek runs through a heavily channelized and impacted area adjacent to Robertson Road. The creek turns into its natural morphology downstream of Robertson Road until the Highway 417 crossing. It then becomes channelized again, as it runs through Wesley Clover Park on Corkstown Road. The creek flows through another large wetland before Moodie Drive crossing, and from there runs parallel between Highway 417 and Corkstown Road until it turns north flowing through residential neighborhoods before emptying into the Ottawa River between the Nepean Sailing Club and Andrew Haydon Park.

          The first phase to be completed is on the west bank of the creek in the treed area. The highlighted blue area is the East bank portion of the work to be completed as the second phase.

          Map of work area
          Map of the Work Area

          Further erosion of the bank of Stillwater Creek at Nautica Private could be detrimental to the properties on Nautica Private and to the safety of the residents. 

          Rock Toe Berm Construction

          RVCA looked into multiple alternatives for the slope stabilization of the banks of Stillwater Creek. RVCA decided on the construction of a rock toe berm to stabilize the east bank of the creek. Once the design was complete, RVCA had it checked by a third-party local geotechnical engineering firm.

          The rock toe berm has been designed to make a “key” at the base of the slope to be filled with large “rock protection” sized stones. The slope will then be backfilled at a 1.5:1 (h:v) slope and the large stones will extend above the creeks assumed 100-year flood elevation. The work is expected to protect the properties on Nautica Private from further property damage due to erosion.

          Timing

          The project took place from approximately December 2, 2019 – February 28, 2020.

          Project Partners

          City of Ottawa
          Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

          Information

          Terry K. Davidson, P.Eng.
          Director of Engineering & Regulations

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          July 23, 2019

          Mud Creek Hazard Mapping Study

          Super User

          Project Status: Complete

          The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed a hazard mapping study for Mud Creek from 3rd Line Road North to the Rideau River.

          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. 

          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 Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

          Members of the public are encouraged to attend the upcoming open house (details below) and/or provide comments on the draft mapping (see below). Conservation Authority staff welcome historical records of past flood events, slope failure, erosion, 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.

           

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          April 25, 2019

          Wolfe Lake Scanlan Creek Fish Habitat Enhancement Project

          Super User

          Walleye spawn in the spring for one to two weeks, depending on water temperatures, and return to the same spawning site each year which means they have high site fidelity to their spawning areas.  This project consisted of placing round river stone on the bed of Scanlan Creek to restore an impaired walleye spawning bed. This work will further enhance the productivity of the walleye that spawn in Scanlan Creek and return to Wolfe Lake.  By restoring this spawning bed site to a functional riffle habitat we will improve the recruitment success of spawning walleye from Wolfe Lake.

          Construction Phase

          Two locations measuring five metres by 10 metres were determined to be in need of augmentation with appropriately-sized river stone. Staff and volunteers installed 100 tonnes of six-inch round river stone for walleye spawning on the bed of Scanlan Creek in the fall of 2019, when water levels were lower.

          What are the anticipated outcomes?

          1. Create a greater awareness about the threats to the local walleye population and how simple costs effective measures can improve spawning success and recruitment.
          2. Engage with volunteers on Wolfe Lake and in the Westport area, building enthusiasm and environmental awareness while reinforcing a strong sense of community, particularly involving youth in the hands-on element of the project, providing them a valuable learning experience and opportunity to positively impact the world around them.
          3. Educate lake residents on how habitat enhancement efforts can improve the local walleye fishery on the lake.
          4. Promote the goodwill and partnerships formed through the enhancement project.

          In order to implement this project a partnership was formed between the Wolfe Lake Association (WLA), the Westport Area Outdoor Association (WAOA), the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF), Camp IAWAH (Youth camp located on Wolfe Lake) and TD Friends of the Environment.

           

          wolfe scanlan logos

          Information:

          Jennifer Lamoureux
          Aquatic and Fish Habitat Biologist,
          Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

          613-692-3571 ext. 1108

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          March 29, 2019

          Bilberry Creek Hazard Mapping Study

          Super User

          Project Status: Ongoing

          The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, in collaboration with the City of Ottawa, is conducting a hazard mapping project along Bilberry Creek from Innes Road to the Ottawa River.

          Hazard mapping for Bilberry Creek looks to identify:

          i) flood risk hazards, and
          ii) slope stability hazards

          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.

           

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          October 18, 2018

          Becketts Creek Hazard Mapping Study

          Super User

          Project Status: Complete

          The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) has completed a hazard mapping study for Becketts Creek from Sarsfield Road to the Ottawa River.

          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. 

          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 Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation.

          Members of the public are encouraged to attend the open house (details below) and/or provide comments on the mapping below. Conservation Authority staff welcome historical records of past flood events, slope failure, erosion, 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.

           

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          Other Information

          Contact Us

          Address:
          Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
          3889 Rideau Valley Drive
          Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A5

          Phone:
          613-692-3571, 1-800-267-3504

          Email:

          Hours:

          Regular Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

          Member of: conservation ontario