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Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
Township 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.
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:
The Mississippi Valley and Rideau Valley Conservation Authorities administer Part 8 (Sewage systems approvals) of the Ontario Building Code on behalf of several watershed municipalities (listed below). This means your local conservation authority is responsible for reviewing septic designs and plans, issuing Building Permits for new and replacement sewage systems, and inspecting installations to ensure compliance with provincial regulations.
Learn more on how to submit your application by choosing the municipality where you are installing or replacing a Part 8 sewage system. Not listed below? Check with your municipality to learn about their septic approvals agent.
Who should you call for septic information?
Project Status: Complete
The 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.
Draft Maps
OPTION 1: 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 .
OPTION 2: PDF Maps
If you prefer more traditional mapping, try our PDF maps accessible below. 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 .
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Index Map:
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Resources
- Landowner Factsheet: Moquito Creek Hazard Mapping
- Fiche descriptive : Étude cartographique des risques liés au ruisseau Mosquito
- Video: Hazard Mapping for Floods: What it is and why we do it
The RVCA collects, monitors and analyses watershed information.
Monitoring environmental conditions helps us see trends over time, focus our actions where they can do the most good, and evaluate the effectiveness of our watershed policies and programs.
Reporting information ensures the right information is available to municipal and watershed decision makers (including watershed residents).
Use the menu to the right to visit our monitoring and reporting information. You can also access information through our interactive mapping. See below for details on what is currently available.
Interactive Mapping Tool
Access information through our interactive mapping tool. Choose from these mapping options:
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| Access our robust interactive mapping with multiple tools to help you find regulation limits, flood event depths, flood & low water status, landcover, conservation areas and more. |
See real-time and periodic information from a network of sources from across the watershed. |
View water quality data collected across the watershed. See where we test and the results. | Explore our subwatershed reports that highlight four indicators of watershed health: water quality, forest cover, wetland cover and riparian cover. | Search properties to see if it may be subject to Section 28 — Ontario Regulation 174/06 (Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alternations to Shorelines and Watercourses Regulation. |
More...
The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority are partnering to deliver the ALUS Lanark program, an agricultural stewardship program aimed at creating, restoring, enhancing, managing, and maintaining ecosystem services on agricultural land. Delivered within the boundary of Lanark County, ALUS Lanark is made possible with the financial support of ALUS Canada and Environment and Climate Change Canada.
ALUS Lanark is a community-based and farmer-delivered program that provides technical and financial support to farmers, as well as annual payments to ensure the ongoing stewardship of ecosystem services on their land.
Projects supported will depend on available funding each year. Projects should be on marginal, ecologically sensitive, or inaccessible land, and may include:
- Wetland creation, enhancement, or restoration
- Reforestation, windbreaks, shelterbelts, and buffers
- Grassland restoration
- Pollinator habitat and wildlife food plots
- Delayed cut and delayed grazing
- Erosion control and livestock exclusion
- Habitat structures
- Other ecologically beneficial projects
To be eligible:
- Projects must be within Lanark County.
- Landowners must have a valid Farm Business Registration Number.
- Projects will not replace existing habitat with a new habitat type.
- Projects will not remove more than 20% of land from a farming operation.
If you have any questions, contact the Rural Clean Water Program at 613-692-3571 ext. 1136 or via email at .
Ready to apply? Click here for instructions or download your application form here. Please note you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to e-sign your form.
Thank you for your interest in protecting the land and water we all rely on! We look forward to working with you.
Please note: Funding is limited and provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects completed prior to contacting RVCA will not be eligible for funding.
Eligibility and approval:
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 during 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
BEFORE you start your project, please contact the RVCA at 613-692-3571 ext. 1136 to register your information, confirm eligibility and apply.
Submitting your application:
Download your application form here. Please note you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to e-sign your form.
Submit completed application with all estimates, quotes and necessary permits to:
Rural Clean Water Program
Box 599, 3889 Rideau Valley Dr.
Manotick, ON K4M 1A5
Or email your application package to
Approval process:
- A site representative will visit your property
- Project is assessed by our Review Committee
- Project grant proceeds if approved
- Payment issued upon completion of work, inspection by site representative and submission of all permits, approvals and proof of payment
More questions? Click here to view our FAQs (frequently asked questions).
Rural Clean Water Grants for farmers and rural landowners
Rural Clean Water Grants help to improve water quality in our local rivers, streams and creeks by reducing pollution and the volume of water running off the land. Teaming up with farmers and rural residents, we provide financial support and technical assistance for on-the-ground projects that improve and protect water quality.
Rural Clean Water Grants up to $15,000 per project are available through three programs, based on location and project type:
- Ottawa Rural Clean Water Program for properties within the City of Ottawa (Rideau Valley, Mississippi and South Nation watersheds)
- Rideau Valley Rural Clean Water Program for properties outside the City of Ottawa, but in the remainder of the Rideau Valley
- ALUS Lanark for agricultural properties in Lanark County (RVCA and MVCA watersheds)
Eligible Projects:
Eligible projects for farmers include, but are not limited to:
- livestock fencing
- chemical and fuel storage
- manure storage and treatment
- nutrient management and precision farming
- controlled tile drainage
- cover crops
- annual payments for ecosystem services
- wastewater treatment
- wetland creation or enhancement
- windbreakers, buffers, and grasslands
Eligible projects for all rural residents include, but are not limited to:
- erosion control
- buffers
- well replacements, upgrades or decommissioning
- septic repair
- forest and wetland management plans
Grants:
Grant amounts and eligibility may vary by grant program, available funding and project type. Always contact us before starting your project, as we cannot offer grants for completed projects.
Deadline for grant applications is May 1 of each year, but depending on funding we may approve project proposals received after this date.
Ready to apply? Click here for instructions or download your application form here. Please note you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to e-sign your form.
