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RVCA (1137)
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Department (67)
Main Office Phone Numbers : 613-692-3571 / 1-800-267-3504
Staff Directory
Our Watershed
The Rideau River drains an area of over 4,000 square kilometres of Eastern Ontario. The main stem of the river flows in a northerly direction from Upper Rideau Lake near Newboro to the City of Ottawa where it tumbles over Rideau Falls into the Ottawa River. Total length of the longest part of the watershed is about 180 kilometres. From the highest point in the valley (Carnahan Lake in the Tay sub-watershed) to the Ottawa River is a drop of 204 metres in elevation. About 620,000 people live in the watershed including a large part of the City of Ottawa, the fourth largest metropolitan area in Canada. There are 18 municipalities within the valley and most people, outside of Ottawa, draw their drinking water from the river or from groundwater.
Probably one of the best types of exercise, and you won’t even notice the workout because you’ll be having so much fun! Make a splash in a lake or river — it’s a great way to cool off in the summer.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
Tips
- Watch for beach closure notices.
- Beaches are not supervised. Parents, ensure that children are supervised at all times.
- Use waterproof sunscreen.
- Always be aware of currents and undercurrents and know your limitations.
- Take your litter home with you.
Make the most of it when the snow falls; get out and enjoy it! Blaze your own trail and explore with snowshoeing and Cross-country skiing. Both are exhilarating ways to see the countryside and have an amazing workout at the same time.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
Tips
- Wear several thinner layers rather than one heavy layer – you may start out cold, but you’ll soon heat up with this activity.
- Take a bottle of water and a snack.
- Be prepared for a change in the weather.
Plan your outing around a picnic or take a break from all the other fun activities that you can enjoy at these Conservation Areas. Find a picnic table or just choose an attractive spot and throw down a blanket and break open the hamper. Planning a big group event? Consider the beautiful picnic area at Baxter Conservation Area.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Meisel Woods Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Motts Mills Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
- Portland Bay Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Take sunscreen, mosquito repellent and plenty of drinking water, as well as your picnicking goodies!
- Take your litter home with you.
Walking along Conservation Area trails is a fun, safe and healthy way to experience the outdoors in the Rideau Watershed. There is much to explore, from woodland trails and marsh boardwalks to lakeside beaches and meandering waterways. Walking is an easy and enjoyable way to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the beautiful natural areas that the region has to offer? Why go to a gym to walk on a treadmill when there are 50 kilometres of trails in your own backyard?
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Meisel Woods Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Motts Mills Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Go equipped with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and drinking water as well as comfortable shoes.
- Do not venture off the trails.
- Take your litter home with you.
- Take nothing but pictures.
You don’t need to go far in the Rideau watershed to find a good fishing spot. Our region is home to many types of fish species and everyone can enjoy the excitement of awaiting a bite! Adults and children alike have fun and relax while experiencing this time-honoured tradition.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Portland Bay Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Remember a valid Ontario Fishing License is required for those 18 years of age and over and Ontario Fishing regulations apply. See OMNRF site for more information. https://www.ontario.ca/page/fishing
- If fishing from a boat, always wear a lifejacket.
Guides, Scouts and other groups are invited to enjoy our group camping areas. Get back to nature, sleep under the stars listening to the sounds of wildlife and wake up to the sun gently shining though the forest canopy. You don’t have to go far to have an overnight outdoor adventure.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
Tips
- Take sunscreen, mosquito repellent and plenty of drinking water.
The watershed boasts a network of beautiful lakes, rivers, creeks and tributaries. Whether you enjoy motor boats, canoes, kayaks or other sports such as sailing and windsurfing, there are many local water based opportunities.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Go equipped with sunscreen, mosquito repellent and drinking water as well as comfortable shoes.
- Do not venture off the trails.
- Take your litter home with you.
- Take nothing but pictures.
A fascinating pastime, bird watching is becoming increasingly popular. Our Conservation Areas are equipped with convenient parking areas, pleasant trails and good viewing areas. Some include viewing towers to help support in the pursuit of viewing our feathered friends.
Where to Enjoy this Activity
- Baxter Conservation Area
- Chapman Mills Conservation Area
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area
- Meisel Woods Conservation Area
- Mill Pond Conservation Area
- Motts Mills Conservation Area
- Perth Wildlife Reserve
- Portland Bay Conservation Area
- Richmond Conservation Area
- Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area
- W. A. Taylor Conservation Area
Tips
- Bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water, binoculars and camera.
- You may also want to take a bird identification reference book, a notebook and a pen.
- To see the most diverse array of birds, generally best to arrive earlier in the morning.
- Take your litter home with you.
1. Water Quality Protection
Surface water runoff contains pollutants such as:
- Fertilizers (nutrients) & pesticides
- Soil particles (sediments)
- Road salt
- Vehicle fluids (gasoline, etc.)
- Others (pet/livestock waste, septic leachate, etc.)
These pollutants result in:
- Algal blooms & excessive weed growth
- Loss of recreation opportunities (swimming, boating, etc.)
- Loss of fish and wildlife habitat
- Overall contaminated watersources
- Potential contamination of drinking water sources
Naturalized, vegetated shorelines with lots of native trees and shrubs reduce these effects by acting as a buffer to:
- Absorb nutrients and contaminants
- Trap sediments
- Encourage infiltration
2. Improved Wildlife Habitat![shorelines04](/images/shorelines04.jpg)
- Native vegetation along waterways provides shelter, food and safe travel corridors for wildlife.
- The berries of many shoreline shrubs provide a critical winter food source for birds and other animals.
- Fallen trees and over-hanging branches and vegetation are a natural occurrence and provide excellent habitat and refuges for fish.
- Shade provided by vegetation can significantly reduce water temperatures creating a more favourable environment for many fish species.
- Healthy fish habitat and communities contribute significantly to the economic and social interests of many Ontario communities. Angling is a $2.4 billion industry (annually) in Ontario. (Ministry of Natural Resources)
3. Erosion Protection
Soils along the shorelines of lakes, rivers and streams are gradually weathered, displaced and deposited by various means including wind, water, ice and gravity. Although erosion is a natural process, it can be dramatically accelerated by changes in land use such as the removal of shoreline vegetation.
- Without the presence of a healthy vegetated buffer, shorelines have reduced resistance against erosion, potentially resulting in a loss of habitat, soil stability and land.
- Excess sediment in the water caused by erosion can be problematic for aquatic wildlife by reducing clarity, burying fish spawning grounds, clogging gills and limiting plant growth.
- Natural, vegetated shorelines help prevent erosion because the roots of trees and shrubs trap soil in place, stabilize the bank and help to absorb wave energy.
4. Others
Requires Less Maintenance
- Naturalized shorelines require less maintenance than alternatives such as turf grass and can be left to grow on its own with minimal pruning or trimming to maintain views.
Flood Abatement
- Shoreline vegetation helps to slow down surface water runoff and encourages infiltration into the ground. This helps to reduce peak water flow and flooding during storm events and spring melts. It also helps with ground water recharge.
- Stored water is released slowly during drier periods helping to maintain water levels.
Discourages Nuisance Geese
- Shoreline trees and shrubs discourage the presence of nuisance geese by obstructing their sight lines to the water.
- Discouraging geese prevents the accumulation of goose waste which contains e. coli and nutrients harmful to water quality.
Wind Breaks
Shoreline vegetation can help protect your property from wind by acting as a windbreak. Wind breaks have many benefits including:
- erosion protection
- reduced heating costs in winter
- reduced noise and dust
More...
The City of Ottawa's Rural Clean Water Program looks to improve water quality in our local rivers, streams and creeks by reducing pollution and the volume of water running off the land. Teaming up with rural residents, the City offers financial support and technical assistance for on-the-ground projects that improve and protect water quality.
The program was developed in partnership with local farm and rural organizations, government agencies, municipalities and universities. The Conservation Authorities of Ottawa assist with program delivery.
To learn more about the program and available funding, or to submit an application form, please visit the City of Ottawa’s webpage.
It’s time for a shoreline makeover!
Want to fight erosion, discourage geese and spruce up your boring shoreline – all without breaking the bank? The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority offers a full-service, subsidized Shoreline Naturalization Program for waterfront property owners. We offer technical guidance, project management and financial assistance to help you get the job done!
What’s in it for you?
Naturalizing a shoreline can have many practical and environmental benefits:
- Reduces water run-off that causes algae blooms and excessive weed growth;
- Significantly reduces shoreline erosion and makes your shoreline more resilient;
- Much cheaper and more eco-friendly than rock-based “rip rap” shorelines;
- Discourages geese;
- Invites more wildlife to your backyard paradise;
- Leaves less lawn to mow and more time to relax and enjoy the view.
Why naturalize?
Ninety per cent of all lake and river life depends on a healthy shoreline to survive. But this “ribbon of life” also plays a crucial role in filtering out pollutants, reducing erosion and easing flood risks. By adding a natural buffer between your home and the water, you are protecting the health of our drinking water, ecosystems and shores.
What about my water access?
We know that convenient water access is paramount to an idyllic waterfront experience. Staff will work with you to prepare a customized plan that maintains your water access and your view.
What’s involved?
1. Site visit: RVCA staff will visit your property to discuss your vision and assess planting potential. Site visits can be scheduled for June through October.
2. Custom planting plan: Staff will work with you to develop a unique plan for your property, including recommendations for the best native species for your property’s growing conditions. They’ll discuss how you’d like to maintain your water access, seating areas and your view.
3. Choose your plants: You can choose which native trees and shrubs you’d like based on your custom planting plan and the RVCA’s available species list, and we’ll order them for you. The cost of the plants is subsidized.
4. Delivery and planting assistance: In spring, we’ll deliver your plants and, if you choose, we can even do the planting for you!
Who is eligible?
- Waterfront landowners along wetlands, streams, rivers and lakes within the Rideau watershed, who commit to maintaining a healthy shoreline;
- Lake associations, river groups or other not-for-profit groups within the Rideau watershed interested in completing shoreline demonstration sites, community plant hand-outs, or other shoreline stewardship projects.
Scroll over the pins to learn more about healthy shoreline habits:
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Want to learn more? Contact:
613-692-3571 ext. 1192 or 1-800-267-3504 ext. 1192 or
Resources:
- Shoreline Naturalization Program Species Availability List (PDF)
- Example Shoreline Buffer Plan (PDF)
- Solutions for Shoreline Erosion: A Basic Guide to Bioengineering (PDF)
- Solutions pour l’érosion riveraine — Introduction au génie biologique (PDF)
- Benefits of a Natural Shoreline (PDF)
- How to Naturalize Your Shoreline (PDF)
Volunteers
The Shoreline Naturalization Program works closely with many volunteer groups to restore shoreline areas including Scouts, High Schools and corporate groups. Individuals interested in helping plant can register through the City Stream Watch Program.
Check out some before-and-after photos of recent projects:
The Rideau Valley Rural Clean Water Program (RVRCWP) offers grants and technical assistance program for on-farm and rural projects that protect water quality in the Rideau River watershed outside the City of Ottawa (see map). We work in partnership with individual landowners to help protect the land and water we all rely on.
The RVRCWP is guided by a Steering Committee made up of local citizens drawn from farm organizations, environmental interest groups as well as all levels of government with a direct link to the water environment. Projects completed create a win-win situation all around. The landowner gets a helping hand with the financing of conservation work, the program sponsors get the pleasure of giving back to their community, and our children and grandchildren get to enjoy a clean healthy Rideau River as our legacy to them all.
If you are interested in applying, contact the RVCA at 613-692-3571 ext. 1136 to register your information and confirm eligibility.
Ready to apply? Download your application form here or click here for instructions. Please note you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to e-sign your form.
RVRCWP Eligible Project Categories
Eligible Projects/ Click here to view project details, download RVRCWP brochure | Maximum Grant % | Maximum Grant $ |
---|---|---|
Clean Water Diversion* | 50% | $5,000 |
Surface/Wastewater Treatment/Management* | 50% | $5,000 |
Livestock Restriction from Water–Livestock Crossing, Alternate Watering, Fencing* | 90% | $7,500 |
Pesticide/Chemical/Fertilizer/Fuel Storage and Handling Facility* | 50% | $1,000 |
Nutrient Management Plans/Precision Farming* | 50% | $1,000 |
Manure Storage/Treatment* | 50% | $15,000 |
Controlled Tile Drainage* | 80% | $1,000 |
Erosion Control - Field and Tile Outlet* | 90% | $3,500 |
Cover Crops* | $50/Acre | $1,000 |
Land Retirement* | $150/Acre | $1,500/Year |
Erosion Control - Shoreline | 90% | $3,500 |
Buffers | 90% | $7,500 |
Windbreaks | 75% | $6,000 |
Forest & Wetland Management Plans | 75% | $750 |
Private Sewage System Repair | 50% | $1,000 |
Well Upgrade | 50% | $500 |
Well Decommissioning | 90% | $1,000 |
Well Replacement | 50% | $2,000 |
Education Initiative | 75% | $1,000 |
Innovative Projects | 50% | $5,000 |
*Available only to farmers with an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP)
Please note: program grant rates may change without notice or be adjusted by the Review Committee.
More questions? Click here to view our FAQs (frequently asked questions).
Additional Links
Watershed Conditions
Current Watershed Conditions
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