Category: News Releases
COLLABORATING WITH YOUTHS TO RESTORE CONSERVATION AREAS IN THE LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED
May 5, 2025FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 5th, 2025
NORFOLK COUNTY, ON – Over the weekend, staff from Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) partnered with Port Dover Scouts to plant close to 700 trees at Lower Big Creek Conservation Area in Langton, ON. Staff also partnered with Girl Guides to plant close to 300 trees at Backus Heritage Conservation Area in Port Rowan, ON.
The reforestation efforts at the conservation areas will enhance the overall ecological health of the parks and the Long Point Region watershed. At Lower Big Creek CA, the recent removal of an obsolete barn from the property opened up valuable space and opportunity for natural habitat restoration. With the area now fully forested, staff will no longer need to maintain the former grassed areas.
LPRCA and the Scouts have a long-standing history of collaboration, working together for years to engage youth in watershed conservation and to promote stewardship of the natural environment. “If we teach kids to care for the land today, they’ll grow up knowing how to protect it for tomorrow,” said Paul Gagnon, LPRCA Lands and Waters Supervisor. The new collaboration with the Girl Guides marks an exciting expansion of local youth engagement efforts.
For more information, please contact:
Jessica King
Marketing & Social Media Associate
519-842-4242 ext. 227
jking@lprca.on.ca
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (Event Message #3)
April 4, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is terminating the Flood Watch message previously in effect and is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook for the entire watershed. Although most watercourses have peaked and flows are now dropping, the elevated stream flows along with the forecasted precipitation tonight and tomorrow morning will cause watercourses to remain high into next week.
People are advised to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also urged to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free of debris and functioning properly, provided the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 4:30 PM on Monday, April 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor the forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-429-4899 should further information be required.
Note: Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: 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, a rise in Lake Erie, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Flood Watch (Event Message #2)
April 3, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook to Flood Watch for the entire watershed. Residents near creeks and streams are urged to stay informed with the latest weather updates and exercise caution, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
Over the last 24 hours, the Long Point Region watershed received approximately 44 mm rain, causing creek flows to rise significantly. The riverine water levels and flows have already increased, and the rate of increase is expected to continue until they crest. Big Otter Creek flows through Vienna are currently expected to stay within the banks but are likely to resemble the high flows seen earlier in March (March 5, 2025).
Another 30-35 mm of rain is forecast to begin late tomorrow, Friday, April 4th, and continue into Saturday, April 5th. This combination of factors may overwhelm watercourses, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas.
People are advised to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also urged to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free of debris and functioning properly, provided the work can be done safely.
This Riverine Flood Watch will remain in effect until 4:30 PM on Monday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor the forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-429-4899 should further information be required.
Note: Flood Watch: Flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipal flood coordinators, emergency services, and landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook (Event Message #1)
April 1, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) is issuing a Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook for its entire watershed, urging people near creeks and streams to stay aware of changing weather conditions, watch for localised flooding, and be prepared if flooding becomes more likely.
A Special Weather Statement is in effect from Wednesday, April 2, 11:00 AM EDT until Thursday, April 3, 10:00 AM EDT, predicting significant rainfall amounts of 30 to 50 mm, with locally higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. Rain is expected to begin Wednesday morning over extreme southwestern Ontario before reaching the Golden Horseshoe Wednesday afternoon. With thunderstorms particularly expected in some areas of southwestern Ontario, rainfall amounts may exceed 50 mm in the Long Point Region watershed. The rain will end from west to east Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
Under the forecasted conditions, riverine water levels and flows are expected to increase in the Long Point Region watershed. At this time, no major flooding is anticipated; however, some watercourses may reach or exceed their banks, creating localized flooding in floodplains, low-lying areas, and regions with poor drainage.
People are advised to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also urged to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free of debris and functioning properly, provided the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement—Flood Outlook will remain in effect until 4:30 PM on Friday, April 4, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor the forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519.842.4242, ext.265 should further information be required.
Note: Watershed Conditions Statement – Flood Outlook: Early notice of the potential for flooding based on weather forecasts calling for heavy rain, snowmelt, high wind or other conditions that could lead to high runoff, cause ice jams, a rise in Lake Erie, lakeshore flooding or erosion.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #5)
March 17, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is extending the Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety due to elevated stream flows in the rivers.
The watershed received 15-20 mm of rain on Saturday and Sunday, along with air temperatures well above freezing. As a result of the rain and snow melt, river levels have risen and are running bank full in many locations. While cooler temperatures have returned and stream flows are receding, water levels will remain high for several days.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM, Friday, March 21, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor watershed conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure, at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents of high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors that could pose dangers to recreationalists, children, and pets. Flooding is not expected.
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety (Event Message #4)
March 7, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is terminating the Flood Watch message previously in effect. A Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in place for the entire watershed due to elevated stream flows and forecasted weather conditions.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from snow and debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety will remain in effect until 12:00 PM, Monday, March 17, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Paul Gagnon, Lands & Waters Supervisor at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or (519) 842-4242, Ext.232, should further information be required.
Note:
Watershed Conditions Statement – Water Safety Statement: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise municipal flood coordinators and watershed residents of high flows, unsafe banks, melting ice, or other factors that could pose dangers to recreationalists, children, and pets. Flooding is not expected.
Riverine Flood Watch (Event Message #3)
March 6, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch for its entire watershed. The Flood Warning for Big Otter Creek has been downgraded to a Flood Watch.
The watershed received 15-20 mm of rain yesterday. This, combined with the melting snowpack, significantly raised water levels and moved ice in local watercourses. With the rapid drop in air temperatures overnight, the rate of snowmelt and runoff decreased abruptly. Much of the water and snow remains in the fields this morning. Stream flows in the Big Otter have crested just below flood levels and are beginning to recede. Stream flows in Big Creek crested in Delhi overnight and may continue to rise moderately in lower Big Creek today. Flood Coordinators are encouraged to continue monitoring river conditions throughout the day.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Flood Watch will remain in effect until 4:30 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519.842.4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note:
Flood Watch: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipal flood coordinators, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.
Riverine Flood Watch and Warning (Event Message #2)
The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is updating the Flood Watch for its entire watershed and upgrading the Flood Watch to a Flood Warning for Big Otter Creek in Bayham Township.
The watershed has received 15-20 mm of rain over the past 24 hours. The rain, in combination with the melting snowpack, has created significant runoff. Water levels in local watercourses are rising rapidly and will continue to rise over the next 24 hours.
ACTION: The flows in Big Otter Creek at Tillsonburg and Calton have not yet crested. If flows continue to increase at the current rate, minor flooding may occur in areas along the lower Big Otter Creek in Bayham Township, specifically in the town of Vienna. Flood coordinators should closely monitor river conditions and warn property owners in the most flood-prone areas of Vienna about the potential for flooding.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Combination Flood Watch and Flood Warning will remain in effect until 4:30 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519.842.4242, Ext.265, should further information be required.
Note: Flood Warning – Flooding is imminent or already occurring in specific watercourses or municipalities.
Flood Watch (Event Message #1)
March 4, 2025The Long Point Region Conservation Authority is issuing a Flood Watch for its entire watershed area.
A series of low-pressure systems are forecast to move through the Long Point Region watershed on Tuesday and Wednesday, bringing rain and temperatures well above freezing. These systems are expected to bring 20 to 30 mm of rainfall across the watershed before moving east on Thursday. The snowpack has a snow-water equivalent ranging from 27 mm in the south to 44 mm in the north end of the watershed. Above-average temperatures last week increased the density of the snowpack, and the most recent snow survey suggests the snowpack is approaching its water-holding capacity.
Melting of the existing snowpack, combined with frozen ground conditions and the forecasted rains, is expected to increase runoff and may overwhelm watercourses, leading to localized flooding in low-lying areas. While the river ice has weakened, Lake Erie remains ice-covered, and there is a possibility of ice jams where the rivers and streams enter Lake Erie.
People are warned to stay away from ditches, water bodies, streams, rivers, and ponds, as the combination of slippery banks and cold, fast-flowing water is dangerous. Landowners are also advised to ensure that dams, culverts, and catch basins are free from snow and debris and functioning properly, if the work can be done safely.
This Flood Watch will remain in effect until 4:30 PM, Friday, March 7, 2025. LPRCA staff will continue to monitor forecasted conditions and will update this message as necessary.
Contact Saifur Rahman, Manager of Engineering and Infrastructure at lprca.floodmessage@lprca.on.ca or 519-842-4242, Ext. 265 should further information be required.
Note:
Flood Watch: A message issued by the Conservation Authority to advise flooding is possible in specific watercourses or municipalities. Municipal flood coordinators, emergency services and individual landowners in flood prone areas should prepare.
BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES TO ADDRESS PHOSPHORUS LOADING IN THE LONG POINT REGION WATERSHED
January 28, 2025Media Release
TILLSONBURG, ON — Long Point Region Conservation Authority (LPRCA) has received a commitment of $512,000 in federal funding over the next four years to help address phosphorus loading in the Big Otter Creek sub-watershed.
The funding is part of the Government of Canada’s $76 million investment in the Great Lakes Freshwater Ecosystem Initiative. Over the next four years, the Canada Water Agency will distribute funding to LPRCA to implement best management practices, such as cover crops and erosion control structures, in high-risk phosphorus loss areas.
The initiative’s goal is to reduce phosphorus loads entering Lake Erie by keeping fertilizers and soil on the landscape and in farmer’s fields. Doing so will help prevent harmful algal blooms and areas of low oxygen. The Big Otter Creek sub-watershed was historically identified as a high-risk phosphorus loss area, meaning the lost phosphorus ends up in Lake Erie.
The initiative offers funding for best management practices such as cover crops and erosion control. For more information and to see how you can get involved, please visit the LPRCA’s website.
Associated Links
Contacts
For more information, please contact:
Paul Gagnon
Lands & Water Supervisor
519-842-4242 ext. 232
watercare@lprca.on.ca
