News

June 03, 2016

Drought Condition Deepens

With little effective rainfall on the Rideau watershed for the last two months, the drought status is now moderately severe. Except for some intense rainfall in the downtown core of Ottawa last Friday and Saturday, conditions have continued to be very dry in the Rideau River watershed. Rainfall recorded at Environment Canada climate stations over the last three months is now at 60% of normal for the time of year. This means that Moderate Drought status has been reached.

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

May 24, 2016

Lack of Rain Brings Minor Drought Conditions

With no rain over the last ten days and less than 30% of normal for the last 30 days, the Rideau River watershed is on the verge of minor drought conditions. Precipitation measured at Environment Canada climate stations in and around the watershed show that about 80% of normal for the time of year has fallen in the last 90 days. This means that minor drought status has been reached. Municipal watering restrictions could be imposed to limit the volume of water extracted from groundwater and surface water sources. It is recommended that those living in residences served by private…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

May 17, 2016

PayByPhone Now At Your Local Conservation Area

Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s (RVCA) new PayByPhone service is going to make visits to local conservation areas easier. Cash payment is no longer required. Complicated paystations are not an issue. As long as you have a phone or computer, you are covered. “Paying at our remote conservation areas has always caused challenges,” says Kristy Giles, RVCA Conservation Lands Manager. “By using this PayByPhone service, it allows visitors to pay online through their phone or from their home computer, making it exceptionally convenient and reliable.”

Published in Media Release

May 03, 2016

Seeking Volunteer “Scientists” for City Stream Watch Program

The City Stream Watch Program is looking for volunteer “scientists” to help monitor, protect and cleanup Ottawa streams. Now is the best time to get involved as a Stream Watch Training Session will be held for volunteers on Saturday, May 28. The training session will welcome new volunteers and familiarize them with the basics of stream sampling and environmental data collection. “The City Stream Watch program is driven by volunteer participation and gives the community a chance to contribute to the health of their local streams,” said Justin Robert, City Stream Watch Coordinator. “By helping to assess these unique urban…

Published in Media Release

April 26, 2016

Bobs and Christie Lake Levels Declining

With a definite declining trend of the water levels of Bobs Lake and Christie Lake, the Flood Watch that has been in effect specific to those lakes since April 11 is now cancelled. With little precipitation over the last two weeks and, therefore, declining inflow to contend with, Parks Canada staff have been able to gradually bring the levels of both lakes back down to target operating ranges. Water levels in the rest of the watershed are also decreasing and are close to averages for the time of year. However, the water is still relatively high and is cold. Caution…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

April 18, 2016

Carbon Neutral LiVE 88.5 FM Grows Forest

Canada’s first and only carbon neutral radio station continues in its efforts to plant trees and maintain its efforts to offset carbon emissions. In 2016, Ottawa’s LiVE 88.5 FM will ensure another 5,700 trees are planted in the southern Ottawa area to offset the carbon dioxide produced annually through normal station operation. This brings their total to 34,200 since they decided to go carbon neutral in 2011.

Published in Media Release