The responsibility for dealing with flood contingency planning in Ontario is shared by municipalities, Conservation Authorities (CAs) and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), on behalf of the province. The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) 2023 Flood Contingency Plan was prepared in accordance with the provincial standards established in the Ontario Flood Forecasting and Warning: Implementation Guidelines for Conservation Authorities and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s document.

The purpose of this manual is to provide an overview of how RVCA Flood Forecasting and Warning System operates. Key information presented in this manual includes:

• roles and responsibilities throughout a flood event
• key background information about water management in the RVCA
• RVCA flood forecasting and warning operations
• the RVCA flood message system

This manual is not a municipal emergency preparedness plan and should not be used for that purpose.

The goal of the RVCA Flood Forecasting and Warning System is to provide an estimate of the potential for river and stream flooding in the Rideau Valley watershed and, based on that estimate, give sufficient advance warning to the designated municipal officials and members of the public in order that appropriate steps can be taken to reduce the risk of loss of life, injury, and property damage due to flooding.