News

March 04, 2022

Mild Temperatures and Rain on Sunday May Increase Water Levels and Flows and Cause Unstable Ice Across Watershed

(WCS – R02/2022)March 4, 2022 – Environment Canada is forecasting temperatures above 10 degrees Celcius and rain on Sunday. This weather event will likely result in elevated water runoff to all waterways because of snow melt and rainfall. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Depending on how much snow melts and rain falls, residents who are adjacent to the smaller creeks and streams are advised to keep a close watch on water levels and flows and should take the necessary precautions to protect their property,…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

March 01, 2022

Don’t let huts or hockey nets go down with the ice

OTTAWA, March 1, 2022 – It’s officially March, and that means it's time to haul in your fishing huts, hockey nets and other gear before the ice is out. Building materials, rink lights, benches and shovels, garbage and other waste can pollute our rivers and lakes, be toxic for fish and wildlife and create hazards for boaters and swimmers in the spring. Under Ontario law, Eastern Ontario fishing huts must be removed by March 15. However, as the sun gets stronger and the weather begins to warm, it’s wise to remove them sooner rather than later. If you wait too long, you…

Published in Media Release

February 25, 2022

Forest school programs nurture natural curiosity

RIDEAU VALLEY, Feb. 25, 2022 – Confidence. Leadership. Curiosity. Wonder. These are just a few of the traits your kids will bring home from Forest School when it starts up again this spring at Foley Mountain and Baxter conservation areas. The weekly programs focus on outdoor, play-based, child-centred learning. What does that mean, you wonder? It means students have a say in how and where they learn; they can choose to focus on activities that interest them, and in turn be more engaged in their learning. It means they’re outside all day long, returning to the same location each week to develop a…

Published in Media Release

February 16, 2022

Precipitation, Mild Temperatures May Increase Water Levels and Flows and Cause Unstable Ice Across Watershed

(WCS – R01/2022)February 16, 2022 – Environment Canada is forecasting mild temperatures, with 15 to 25 mm of rain starting late today through Thursday afternoon followed by much cooler temperatures and possible snowfall accumulations of 10 to 20 cm of snow before mid-day on Friday. This weather event will likely result in elevated water runoff to all waterways because of snow melt and high rainfall amounts before freezing up again. Although no significant flooding is anticipated, water levels and flows are expected to increase in all waterways in the Rideau Valley Watershed. Depending on how much snow melts and rain…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

December 10, 2021

Rain and Mild Temperatures Expected to Increase Water Levels Throughout Rideau Watershed

(WCS - RO6/2021)December 10, 2021 – Environment Canada is forecasting rainfall amounts of 20 to 40 mm starting the evening of Friday, Dec. 10 and continuing through Saturday night. This forecasted rainfall together with mild temperatures will melt snow and create runoff, causing all water levels and flows to increase throughout the Rideau Valley Watershed. Because of a wet fall season, most water levels and flows are currently above normal. Although this rain and snow-melt event will not cause significant flooding, it could cause localized flooding in small watercourses, urban areas and ditches. The RVCA reminds the public to exercise extreme caution around all…

Published in Watershed Conditions Statements

November 12, 2021

RVCA seeks public input for new hazard maps in North Gower

OTTAWA, November 23, 2021 — The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is asking for public input on a new hazard mapping study for Stevens Creek in the City of Ottawa. The study considers the risk of flooding, erosion and other hazards along Stevens Creek from Malakoff Road to the Rideau River. Members of the public are invited to review the draft regulation and hazard maps during a public consultation period between November 29, 2021 and January 13, 2022. The new mapping shows areas that are subject to natural hazards such as flooding and unstable slopes, or that have natural environmental features…

Published in Media Release