RVCA (1142)
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Department (68)
Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
RVCA staff will review the application and discuss it with the applicant. Staff may suggest changes in the plan so it will comply with environmental rules and regulations. At the end of the review, recommendations will be sent to the municipality for its consideration in its decision.
- 2023 Fee Schedule
- 2024 Fee Schedule - effective January 1, 2024 (30-day notice)
The RVCA and our member municipalities encourage pre-consultation in advance of submitting a formal Planning Act application. At a pre-consultation meeting, the applicant, the approval authority and the review agencies will discuss the proposal and the reports that may be necessary to support the application. The pre-consultation process assists the applicant in preparing a proposal that will meet the policies and submission requirements of the municipality, the RVCA and other agencies, potentially saving time and money.
The applications reviewed by the RVCA include:
- plans of subdivision and condominium
- severances
- minor variances
- comprehensive zoning by-laws and zoning by-law amendments
- official plans and official plan amendments
- site plans
- lifting of reserves
The RVCA also participates on technical advisory committees that oversee the preparation of broader planning studies such as community design plans, master servicing studies, environmental management plans and environmental assessments. We also review applications and provide advice on applications that are submitted under the Aggregate Resources Act.
Local Conservation Authorities Support Recommendations in Ontario’s Independent Review of 2019 Flood Events
Stillwater Creek Slope Stabilization Project
RVCA was contracted by the City of Ottawa to design and implement remediation of an eroded bank of Stillwater Creek adjacent to Nautica Private and Carling Avenue and into the Ottawa River. Erosion of the slope is being caused by fluctuating flow and velocity in the creek and this project will help prevent potential slope failure.
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| East Bank Erosion | East Bank Erosion |
The headwaters of Stillwater Creek begin in the National Capital Commission’s Stoney Swamp. Stoney Swamp is almost 2000 hectares in size, and is a mix of woodland, wetland and regenerating fields. From Stoney Swamp, Stillwater Creek runs through a heavily channelized and impacted area adjacent to Robertson Road. The creek turns into its natural morphology downstream of Robertson Road until the Highway 417 crossing. It then becomes channelized again, as it runs through Wesley Clover Park on Corkstown Road. The creek flows through another large wetland before Moodie Drive crossing, and from there runs parallel between Highway 417 and Corkstown Road until it turns north flowing through residential neighborhoods before emptying into the Ottawa River between the Nepean Sailing Club and Andrew Haydon Park.
The first phase to be completed is on the west bank of the creek in the treed area. The highlighted blue area is the East bank portion of the work to be completed as the second phase.
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| Map of the Work Area |
Further erosion of the bank of Stillwater Creek at Nautica Private could be detrimental to the properties on Nautica Private and to the safety of the residents.
Rock Toe Berm Construction
RVCA looked into multiple alternatives for the slope stabilization of the banks of Stillwater Creek. RVCA decided on the construction of a rock toe berm to stabilize the east bank of the creek. Once the design was complete, RVCA had it checked by a third-party local geotechnical engineering firm.
The rock toe berm has been designed to make a “key” at the base of the slope to be filled with large “rock protection” sized stones. The slope will then be backfilled at a 1.5:1 (h:v) slope and the large stones will extend above the creeks assumed 100-year flood elevation. The work is expected to protect the properties on Nautica Private from further property damage due to erosion.
Timing
The project took place from approximately December 2, 2019 – February 28, 2020.
Project Partners
City of Ottawa
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Information
Terry K. Davidson, P.Eng.
Director of Engineering & Regulations
More...
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Watershed Conditions Statement: Forecasted Precipitation to Increase Water Levels Across Rideau Valley Watershed
(WCS – R08/2024)
August 08, 2024 – The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is issuing a WATER SAFETY message for the entire Rideau Valley Watershed.A low-pressure system associated with remnants of Tropical Storm Debby is expected to produce heavy rainfall throughout the region. Local estimates of 50 to 100 mm of rainfall are possible beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Friday. Despite above normal precipitation over the last month, stream flows have generally stabilized at normal seasonal levels.
Although riverine flooding is not anticipated at this time, all water levels and flows across the Rideau Valley Watershed are expected to increase. Depending on the location and rainfall intensity, localized flooding in low-lying areas, including ditches and stormwater features, may be possible. Flows on the Rideau River are not expected to increase significantly.
It is advised that residents adjacent to smaller tributaries and streams take precautionary measures to protect their property, including:
- Ensuring sump pumps are clear, in good working condition and have a backwater valve
- Ensuring easy access to a portable backup generator and pump
- Ensuring downspouts are clear and the outlet is at least 3 metres from the dwelling
- Securing items that might float away as flows increase
Until the water levels and flows recede, the RVCA advises the public to exercise extreme caution around ALL WATERBODIES and remind children about the dangers of playing near open water.
This watershed conditions statement is in effect until Friday, August 16, 2024 at 5 PM or until an update has been issued.
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Contact: Brian Stratton, RVCA Manager Engineering Services
Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
613-692-6804, 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1141
www.rvca.ca/watershed-conditions"Rideau Valley Conservation Authority is a partnership of municipalities within the Rideau Valley watershed
created under the Conservation Authorities Act to deliver a range of programs in watershed management and
natural resource conservation."
RVCA Watershed Conditions Statements:
- Water Safety – High flows, unstable banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous for recreational users such as anglers, canoeists, hikers, children, pets, etc. Flooding is not expected.
- Flood Outlook – Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts, calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high winds or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams and/or lakeshore flooding or erosion.
- Flood Watch – Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individuals in flood prone areas should prepare.
- Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Our low water index has four stages:The RVCA issues water conditions statements to inform residents, municipalities and other stakeholders of changing water levels across the watershed.
A green gauge means conditions are normal. No low flow or drought conditions exist.
This category reflects concern.
80% to 60% of long-term average precipitation for 540 day and/or 90 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 5 year return period low flow.
This category suggests a potentially serious problem is pending.
60% to 40% of long-term average precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 10 year return period low flow.
This category indicates a failure of the water supply to meet demand.
Less than 40% of long-term average precipitation for 540, 90 and/or 30 day precipitation totals and/or 7-day average streamflows less than the 10 year return period low flow.
Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements.
Know the warning system
The RVCA issues water conditions statements to inform residents, municipalities and other stakeholders of changing water levels across the watershed.
A green gauge means conditions are normal.
A yellow Water Safety Statement means rivers could have high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous. However, flooding is not expected.
A yellow Flood Outlook Statement is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
An orange Flood Watch means flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
A red Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Click here for the RVCA's Watershed Conditions Statements. Click here for RVCA real-time flows and water levels.
For water levels and flows on the Ottawa River visit the Ottawa River Regulation Planning Board
A flood is coming: What should you do?
If you live in a flood-prone area, the best thing you can do to keep your family and property safe is to make a plan and be prepared to follow it.
Each flood situation is unique, and your emergency plan should account for that – and be ready well in advance.
1. Know the warning system
The RVCA issues water conditions statements to inform residents, municipalities and other stakeholders of changing water levels across the watershed.
Click on a gauge for a larger image
GREEN: A green gauge means conditions are normal.
YELLOW: A yellow gauge can mean two things:
- A yellow Water Safety Statement means rivers could have high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice or other factors that could be dangerous. However, flooding is not expected.
- A yellow Flood Outlook Statement is an early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snow melt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
ORANGE: An orange Flood Watch means flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipalities, emergency services and individual landowners in flood-prone areas should prepare.
RED: A red Flood Warning means flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
2. Be prepared
- The first step to flood preparedness is knowing your risk level. Call an RVCA Resource Specialist to learn more about your property before flooding occurs.
- Subscribe to RVCA’s flood messages for regular updates and advanced warning of an impending flood. You can also stay informed through the RVCA website or our Facebook and Twitter pages.
- Learn about your municipality’s emergency plan: evacuation routes and locations for emergency shelters, as well as their sandbag program if they have one.
- Plan and practice an evacuation route with your family.
- Pack an emergency kit that can be accessed easily and carried quickly in case of evacuation; include any necessary medication, blankets, extra clothing and flashlights.
- Install a battery powered sump pump that can work in a blackout.
Learn more from Environment Canada's detailed flood preparation guide.
Watershed Conditions
Current Watershed Conditions
STAY
INFORMED
Worried about spring flooding? Have flood messages sent directly to your home email address. Subscribe to the RVCA Flood Forecasting and Warning mailing list.
