News

January 12, 2023

FLOOD OUTLOOK - Elevated Water Levels Expected to Continue for Christie Lake and Tay River Region

(WCS – R01/2023) January 12, 2023 – After gaining and losing a large amount of snow over the holiday season, the short-term forecast is calling for between 15 and 30 cm of snow starting Thursday, Jan. 12 through late Friday, Jan. 13. Elevated water levels/flows are now declining across most of the watershed after above-average temperatures and precipitation caused a spike at the end of December and early January. But water levels in the upper watershed reservoir lakes, specifically Bobs and Christie Lake, are above average and continue to increase. The conditions are being monitored closely by Parks Canada staff. A FLOOD…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

December 30, 2022

WATER SAFETY STATEMENT - Water Safety Statement Extended Due To Prolonged Warming Trend and Forecasted Rainfall

(WCS – R10/2022) December 30, 2022 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is extending the Water Safety Statement issued on December 21, 2022 due to a prolonged warming trend and forecasted rainfall over the next few days. Above zero temperatures are expected to continue late into next week, with forecasted rainfall of 20-30 mm through the weekend. These conditions will likely accelerate the release of the existing snowpack and will result in increased flows and water levels throughout the Rideau Valley watershed. With rising water levels expected over the next few days, ice cover on lakes, ditches, local streams, and…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

December 21, 2022

WATER SAFETY STATEMENT - Significant Precipitation Event Will Cause Increased Water Levels Across Rideau Valley Watershed

(WCS – R09/2022) December 21, 2022 – Caution is advised as a major winter storm makes its way to the Rideau Valley this week. Environment Canada’s short-term weather forecast indicates precipitation will begin as rain or snow late Thursday, Dec. 22 before transitioning to rain on Friday. Rainfall amounts of up to 40 mm are forecasted for Friday before the temperature drops below zero. Falling temperatures will be accompanied by strong winds along with more snow. Water levels and flows are generally low to average for this time of year across the Rideau Valley Watershed. Although no significant flooding is anticipated,…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

December 15, 2022

Feds grant $429,000 for accessibility projects at RVCA properties

MANOTICK, Dec. 15, 2022 – Baxter and Chapman Mills conservation areas are fast becoming some of Ottawa’s most inclusive natural parks thanks to more than $429,000 in recent funding from the federal government. Nepean MP Chandra Arya announced the funding through FedDev Ontario's Canada Community Revitalization Fund on Dec. 15 at the Manotick headquarters of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA), which it shares with its charitable foundation, the Rideau Valley Conservation Foundation (RVCF). Baxter Conservation Area in Kars will receive a total of $279,900 from the fund to help replace its decommissioned marshland bridge with a state-of-the-art accessible span over…

Published in Media Release

November 28, 2022

Nature For All breaks ground on accessible Baxter bridge

KARS-ON-THE-RIDEAU, Nov. 28, 2022 – The dream of turning Baxter Conservation Area into an accessible nature haven for people of all abilities is finally coming true. After three years of planning and fundraising, work has begun to replace the park’s defunct marshland bridge with a new state-of-the-art span that embraces the gold standards of accessible design. This includes an extra-wide deck, appropriate sight-lines for people in wheelchairs and strollers, and a large education platform to help students of all abilities get up close and personal with the natural world. “The outdoors should be accessible to anyone who wants to enjoy…

Published in Media Release

November 17, 2022

Eastern Ontario Mayors Support CA Concerns About Housing Bill 23

RIDEAU VALLEY, Nov. 17, 2022 – More than 30 Eastern Ontario mayors have endorsed a Conservation Authority letter to the province expressing concerns with provincial Bill 23, the More Homes Built Faster Act. The letter, written by 10 Eastern Ontario CAs, was sent to Premier Doug Ford and relevant cabinet ministers earlier today. “We are overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the support we have received from local municipalities,” said Sommer Casgrain-Robertson, General Manager of the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority. “It was disheartening that this bill only had a 30-day consultation period given the magnitude of the proposed changes and that this short…

Published in Media Release